1. a children’s game played with small objects (originally sheep ankle bones) that are thrown and caught
Usage: traditional game
2. the small bones or objects used to play this game
Usage: game pieces
3. the ankle bones of sheep or other animals, especially when used as game pieces
Usage: historical; anatomical

Examples

• The children played knucklebones in the schoolyard during recess.
• She collected a set of metal knucklebones to replace the old wooden ones.
• Knucklebones is an ancient game that has been played for thousands of years.
• The museum displayed Roman knucklebones made from actual sheep bones.
• Learning to play knucklebones requires good hand-eye coordination.
• The game of knucklebones is similar to the modern game of jacks.