bow
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.