bocce

noun

boc·​ce ˈbä-chē How to pronounce bocce (audio)
variants or less commonly bocci or boccie
: a bowling game of Italian origin played on a long narrow court (as of sand, clay, grass, or carpet) with bocce balls (see bocce balls sense 2) which are rolled to stop as close as possible to a small target ball

called also bocce ball

Examples of bocce in a Sentence

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.
Along with Italian food, bocce and live entertainment, the event gave small businesses a chance to meet customers who may be discovering their products for the first time. — Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026 Outdoor amenities will include walking trails, tennis, pickleball, bocce, a dog park and more. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026 Some locations have bocce and pickleball courts; other chains have added ropes courses and axe-throwing. — Sophia Nguyen, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 2026 There are also two restaurants, a bar, and a continental breakfast room at the lodge, which is the social centerpiece of Kukui’ula – complemented by pickleball, bocce, pools, water slide, game room, fitness center and a spa. — Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bocce

Word History

Etymology

Italian bocce, plural of boccia ball, from Vulgar Latin *bottia boss

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bocce was in 1828

Phrases Containing bocce

Rhymes for bocce

See All Rhymes for bocce

Browse Nearby Words

boccaro
bocce
bocce ball
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bocce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bocce. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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