Bounce houses have become a popular attraction for children’s parties and events in recent years. They are inflatable structures that children can jump and play on, providing hours of entertainment. But what exactly is a bounce house, and where did it come from? In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bounce houses, as well as their origins and associations.
Definitions
A bounce house, also known as a bouncy castle, moonwalk, or inflatable castle, is an inflatable structure that is made of PVC or nylon material. It is designed for children to jump and play on, and often includes additional features such as slides, obstacles, and tunnels.
Origin
The first bounce house was invented in 1959 by John Scurlock, a mechanical engineer from Louisiana. Scurlock was experimenting with inflatable covers for tennis courts when he realized that his employees were jumping on the covers during their breaks. He decided to create an inflatable structure specifically for jumping and bouncing, and the first bounce house was born.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a bounce house is “an inflatable structure in which children can jump and play.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a large inflatable enclosure in which children can jump and play.” The Cambridge Dictionary describes it as “a large, inflatable structure that children can jump and play on at a fair or party.”
Associations
Bounce houses are often associated with children’s parties and events, such as birthdays, school carnivals, and community festivals. They are also commonly found at amusement parks and indoor play centers.
Synonyms
Synonyms for bounce house include bouncy castle, moonwalk, inflatable castle, and jumping castle.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for bounce house, as it is a specific type of inflatable structure designed for jumping and bouncing.
The same root words
Bounce and house are both English words with their own respective meanings. Bounce means to rebound or spring back after hitting a surface, while house refers to a building or structure used for shelter or living.
Example Sentences
- The children had a blast jumping on the bounce house at the birthday party.
- The inflatable castle was a popular attraction at the community fair.
- We rented a moonwalk for our school carnival, and the kids loved it.
- The indoor play center had several bouncy castles for children to enjoy.
- The inflatable obstacle course was a hit at the amusement park.