bingo

1 of 2

interjection

bin·​go ˈbiŋ-(ˌ)gō How to pronounce bingo (audio)
1
used to announce an unexpected event or instantaneous result
2
used to announce a winning position in bingo
3
used to express endorsement of a correct assertion

bingo

2 of 2

noun

variants or less commonly Bingo
plural bingos also Bingos
: a game of chance played with cards having numbered squares corresponding to numbers drawn at random (as by a game host or computer program) and won by covering five such squares in a row
enjoys playing bingo
often used before another noun
When I worked at the Village Nursing Home, one of my favorite responsibilities … was calling the weekly bingo games.Karen Duffy
also : a social gathering at which bingo is played
About 50% of a volunteer fire department's budget comes from fundraising activities like bingos, hall rentals and fish fries … Hallie Lauer
see also bingo card

Examples of bingo in a Sentence

Noun She plays bingo twice a week.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Some experiences, like sports demonstrations, bingo games (a massively popular community activity), and concerts, are intended for larger groups; others, such as making traditional crafts and taking storytelling hikes, are more intimate outings. Robin Catalano, AFAR Media, 15 Sep. 2025 On tables set up in the plaza were candies from Mexico, as well as flags, small hats and boards for Loteria, a game similar to bingo. Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Sep. 2025 What started out as an unassuming bingo hall in 1985 has grown into one of Northern California’s largest casino-resort destinations, with over 2,300 slot machines, 80-plus table games and 659 four-diamond luxury hotel rooms. David Weiss, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025 What would a carnival be without corn dogs, cotton candy, rides and bingo? Debby Rice, Mercury News, 7 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bingo

Word History

Etymology

Interjection

alteration of bing (interjection suggestive of a ringing sound)

First Known Use

Interjection

1903, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bingo was in 1903

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bingo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bingo. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

bingo

noun
bin·​go
ˈbiŋ-ˌgō
: a game in which players match numbered squares on a card with numbers called out until someone wins by matching certain squares

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