steelie

steelie — noun

1. a small steel ball that children use to play the game of marbles

1.noun
Definition

a small steel ball that children use to play the game of marbles

Example

Aarav won the game when his steelie knocked Linh's glass marble out of the ring.

Leo carefully aimed his steelie at the blue marble near the edge of the circle.

used with possessive determiner (his steelie)

Common collocations
  • shoot a steelie
  • aim a steelie
  • steelie collection
  • shiny steelie

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Steelie is a specific type of marble. In the game of marbles, players typically use glass marbles (also called 'aggies' or 'mibs'), but a steelie is made of steel and is heavier and harder. Because of its weight, a steelie can knock other marbles farther when hit. Collectors often value steelies more than ordinary glass marbles, especially older ones from the mid-1900s.

Common collocations

Nouns

  • steelie collection
  • steelie marble
  • steelie shooter

Phrases

  • play with a steelie
  • shoot a steelie
  • trade a steelie

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

Steelie is formed from the noun 'steel' (which comes from Old English 'stēle') plus the informal diminutive suffix '-ie', which is commonly used in children's vocabulary (compare 'doggie', 'birdie'). The word arose in American English in the mid-20th century when steel marbles became a popular alternative to glass marbles.

First known use

1922

1922, in the meaning defined above