bow

(noun, verb)

noun

1. a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces

Similar word(s): bowknot

Definition categories: man–made, knot

2. a slightly curved piece of resilient wood with taut horsehair strands; used in playing certain stringed instruments

Definition categories: man–made, stick

3. front part of a vessel or aircraft

- he pointed the bow of the boat toward the finish line

Similar word(s): fore, prow, stem

Definition categories: man–made, front

4. a weapon for shooting arrows, composed of a curved piece of resilient wood with a taut cord to propel the arrow

Definition categories: man–made, arm, weapon

5. something curved in shape

Similar word(s): arc

Definition categories: shape, curve

6. bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame or greeting

Similar word(s): bowing, obeisance

Definition categories: communication, reverence, gesture, motion

7. an appearance by actors or performers at the end of the concert or play in order to acknowledge the applause of the audience

Definition categories: communication, thanks

8. a decorative interlacing of ribbons

Definition categories: man–made, decoration, ornament, ornamentation

9. a stroke with a curved piece of wood with taut horsehair strands that is used in playing stringed instruments

Definition categories: act, stroke

Sentences with bow as a noun:

- He made a polite bow as he entered the room.

- The new product will make its bow on the world market this summer.

verb

1. bend one's knee or body, or lower one's head

- She bowed her head in shame

Definition categories: communication, gesticulate, gesture, motion

2. yield to another's wish or opinion

- The government bowed to the military pressure

Similar word(s): accede, defer, submit

Definition categories: communication, succumb, yield

3. bend the head or the upper part of the body in a gesture of respect or greeting

- He bowed before the King

Definition categories: motion

4. bend one's back forward from the waist on down

- She bowed before the Queen

Similar word(s): bend, crouch, stoop

Definition categories: motion, bend, flex

5. play on a stringed instrument with a bow

Definition categories: creation, play

Sentences with bow as a verb:

- The musician bowed his violin expertly.

- The shelf bowed under the weight of the books.

- Cronenberg’s "Cosmopolis" bows in Cannes this week.

- That singer always bows towards her audience for some reason.

- I bow to your better judgement in the matter.