tombola

tombola (Italian bingo)

noun TOM-boh-lah Rare

Origin: From tombolare (to tumble), suggesting the tumbling of numbered balls; the game is named for this action.

Also means

tumble

Usage Note

Tombola is the Italian equivalent of bingo, a beloved Christmas tradition especially in southern Italy, where families play it on Christmas Eve. The numbered cards are called cartelle. As a separate meaning, fare una tombola can informally mean to take a tumble or fall.

Examples

"A Natale giochiamo sempre a tombola con la famiglia."

Natural Translation

At Christmas we always play tombola with the family.

Literal Translation

At Christmas we-play always at tombola with the family.

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