Darts

Part of Speech

Noun (plural), Verb (third-person singular)

Pronunciation

/dɑːrts/ (English - US & UK)

Definitions

• (Noun) A competitive game in which small, pointed missiles (darts) are thrown at a circular target.
• (Noun) The small, pointed projectiles used in the game.
• (Verb) Moves quickly or suddenly in a particular direction.

Usage Examples

• "He enjoys playing darts at the local pub."
• "She threw three darts and hit the bullseye twice."
• "The rabbit darts across the road before the car passes."

Etymology

Derived from Middle English "dart," meaning a small missile, which traces back to Old French "dart" and possibly Frankish "darod" (spear).

Synonyms

• (For the game) Archery, Shooting
• (For movement) Dashes, Zooms, Rushes

Antonyms

• (For movement) Lingers, Crawls, Strolls

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• US English: /dɑrts/
• UK English: /dɑːts/

Historical Usage

Darts originated as a military pastime in medieval England, evolving into a popular pub game in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Cultural Nuances

In the UK, darts is a professional sport with televised tournaments, while in the US, it is often seen as a casual bar game.

More Information

Darts requires precision and skill, with professional players competing in world championships. Modern darts come in different styles, including electronic versions with automated scoring.