1. a board with holes containing slips of paper that are punched out to reveal prizes or numbers, used as a gambling game
Usage: gambling; historical

Examples

• The old general store had a punchboard on the counter for customers to try their luck.
• Each hole in the punchboard contained a rolled-up slip with a number or prize written on it.
• Punchboards were popular forms of entertainment in the early 20th century.
• The winner of the punchboard game received a small toy as a prize.
• Many states banned punchboards because they were considered a form of illegal gambling.
• The carnival featured several punchboards alongside other games of chance.