English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word bow in English

What does bow mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

bow

US /baʊ/
UK /baʊ/
"bow" picture

Noun

1.

a knot tied with two loops and two loose ends, used for tying shoelaces and decorative ribbons.

Example:
•
She tied her hair back with a pretty pink bow.
•
He tied his shoelaces in a double bow.
Synonym:
knotloopribbon
2.

a weapon for shooting arrows, typically made of a curved piece of wood or metal with a taut string joining its ends.

Example:
•
The archer drew his bow and aimed at the target.
•
He learned to shoot a bow and arrow at a young age.
Synonym:
longbowcrossbow
3.

a rod with horsehair stretched along its length, used for playing stringed instruments.

Example:
•
The violinist drew the bow across the strings.
•
He needed to re-hair his cello bow.
Synonym:
fiddlestick

Verb

1.

bend the head or upper part of the body as a sign of respect, greeting, or shame.

Example:
•
The audience bowed in appreciation after the performance.
•
He bowed his head in shame.
Synonym:
curtsygenuflectnod
2.

bend or cause to bend, especially in a curve or angle.

Example:
•
The old bridge began to bow under the heavy load.
•
The branches bowed with the weight of the snow.
Synonym:
bendcurveflexstoop
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Related Word:
bow tiebow window