pinfall

A pinfall is a way to win in wrestling or bowling. In wrestling, it happens when a competitor holds an opponent's shoulders against the mat for a count of three, signaling that the opponent is defeated. In bowling, a pinfall occurs when all pins are knocked down with a ball, earning points for that turn. In both contexts, a successful pinfall results in the opponent being declared the loser of that exchange or match. The term emphasizes the act of pinning an opponent or knocking down all pins to achieve victory.