Pronunciation: [bˈɒksi bˈɔːl] (IPA) 
The word "Boccie Ball" is often spelled incorrectly as "Bocce Ball." The correct spelling, "Boccie," is derived from the Italian word "bocce," which means "balls." The IPA phonetic transcription for "Boccie" is /ˈbɒtʃi/, where the "o" is pronounced as "ah" and the "ch" sound is represented by "c" and "i." Therefore, "Boccie Ball" should be pronounced as /ˈbɒtʃi bɔːl/ with emphasis on the first syllable of "Boccie."
Boccie ball, sometimes referred to as bocce or bocci, is a popular outdoor game played with a set of balls on a flat surface. Originating in ancient Rome, it is now commonly enjoyed worldwide. The objective of the game is to throw or roll larger, usually colored, balls as close as possible to a smaller target ball, called the pallino or jack. Boccie ball is typically played on a court or carefully leveled grassy area.
The rules of the game vary depending on the region, but the basic principles remain consistent. Players take turns attempting to get their balls closer to the pallino than their opponents. The player or team whose balls are closest at the end of a round scores points. The round ends once all balls have been played, or a predetermined score is reached.
Boccie ball requires a combination of strategy, skill, and precision. Players must carefully assess the position of the pallino, as well as their opponents' balls, while also considering the surface and any obstacles. Traditionally, boccie ball was a leisurely game enjoyed by older individuals, but it has gained popularity among people of all ages due to its accessibility and social nature.
In recent times, there have been variations to the game, including beach bocce, which is played on sand, and glow-in-the-dark bocce, where illuminated balls and markers are used for nighttime play. Boccie ball is not only a recreational pastime but also a competitive sport, with tournaments and championships held worldwide.
The word "boccie ball" is actually redundant since "boccie" and "ball" essentially mean the same thing. The correct term is simply "bocce" or "bocci", without the addition of "ball".
The term "bocce" itself is derived from the Italian word "boccia", which means "bowl" or "bait". The game of bocce can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was known as "bakteria" or "bakterion". It then evolved in ancient Rome, where it gained popularity and was referred to as "boccia" or "buccio".
Over time, the game spread throughout Europe, and each region developed its own variant, known by different names. In Italy, it became widely popular and established as "bocce" or "bocci".
