A game of chance for two or more players, who mark off numbers on a grid as they are announced by the caller; the game is won by the first person to call out "bingo!" or "house!" after crossing off all numbers on the grid or in one line of the grid.
"He poured himself a glass of bingo to celebrate his promotion."
Brandy.
In plain English: Bingo is an old-fashioned game where players mark off numbers on cards as they are called out to win by completing a line or pattern first.
"She shouted bingo when she finally found her missing keys in the sofa cushions."
Usage: Bingo refers specifically to a grid-based number-matching game where players mark off called numbers until they complete a line; it is distinct from general gambling games that do not involve this specific format. The term also functions as an adjective describing something just sufficient, such as having enough fuel for the flight home.
To play the game of bingo.
"We gathered in the community hall to play a lively round of bingo."
In plain English: To bingo means to hit your target with something, usually by throwing it accurately.
"She finally bingo'd her lucky numbers on the lottery ticket."
Just sufficient to return to base (or, alternatively, to divert to an alternative airfield). (also written Bingo or BINGO)
"The pilot called out bingo as the fuel gauge hit the minimum threshold, signaling it was time to turn back toward the home airport."
In plain English: Bingo is an adjective used to describe something that is exactly right or perfectly accurate.
"That was exactly what I needed, so my answer is bingo."
Used by players of bingo to claim a win.
"She shouted bingo as soon as she completed her final card."
The word bingo is an alternative spelling of the earlier term bing, which suggested a ringing or booming noise first recorded around 1925. It entered English usage during this period to describe that specific loud, resonant sound.