pinochle/ˈpiˌnʌk.l̩/EtymologyPerhaps from Austro-Bavarian pronunciation of German Binokel (where b>p change is common) , French binocle (literally “pince-nez”), a related card game.pinochle means A card game, similar to bezique. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 87 out of 100.nounA card game, similar to bezique.“He remembered all—every pinochle game, every woman, every sad night.”A meld of the jack of diamonds and queen of spades in that card game.