Pronunciation: [plˈe͡ɪ tˈɛnpɪnz] (IPA) 
The phrase "play tenpins" is spelled /pleɪ tɛnpɪnz/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "a" in "play" is pronounced as a long "e" sound, while the "o" in "ten" is pronounced as a short "e" sound. The "p" and "t" consonants are pronounced clearly, followed by a short "i" sound in "pins". The stress is placed on the second syllable, "ten", which is why the "i" sound is pronounced as a short vowel.
"Play tenpins" refers to participating in a recreational sport commonly known as bowling. Tenpins is a variant of bowling that involves the use of a large ball, typically made of urethane or plastic, and ten pins arranged in a triangular configuration at the end of a long, narrow lane. The objective of the game is to roll the ball towards the pins in an attempt to knock down as many of them as possible.
When engaging in the activity to play tenpins, individuals usually take turns, either alone or in teams, to approach the foul line and release the ball, aiming to strike the headpin positioned at the center of the pin formation, or alternatively, to hit and knock down as many pins as possible with each roll. Scoring is determined by the number of pins knocked down on each turn. If a player successfully knocks down all ten pins with their first roll, this is called a strike. If some pins are left standing after the first roll, they can be targeted and knocked down in a subsequent roll, known as a spare. The game typically consists of multiple frames, allowing participants to accumulate points over the course of play.
Play tenpins is a popular form of leisure and social entertainment, enjoyed by people of all ages. It often takes place in dedicated bowling alleys equipped with multiple lanes. Additionally, play tenpins can be organized as a competitive sport, with professional tournaments held worldwide, attracting skilled bowlers who strive to achieve high scores and win accolades.
The etymology of the phrase "play tenpins" can be broken down as follows:
1. Play: The word "play" originated from the Old English word "pleg(i)an", which means "to exercise or frolic". It evolved into Middle English and eventually became the modern English "play", referring to engaging in amusement, games, or sports.
2. Tenpins: The word "tenpins" is a combination of "ten" and "pins". "Ten" comes from the Old English word "tien" and is related to the Old High German "zehan" and Latin "decem", all meaning "ten". "Pins" refers to the wooden objects that are knocked down in the game of bowling.
Therefore, "play tenpins" means participating in the activity of knocking down ten pins arranged in a specific manner in the game of bowling.
