Definition Definition

Bow - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'Bow' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Bow [ n.]
- An inclination of the head, or a bending of the body, in token of reverence, respect, civility, or submission; an obeisance; as, a bow of deep humility.
- The bending or rounded part of a ship forward; the stream or prow.
- One who rows in the forward part of a boat; the bow oar.
2 . Bow [ sing. or pl.]
- Two pieces of wood which form the arched forward part of a saddletree.
3 . Bow [ v. i.]
- To bend; to curve.
- To stop.
- To bend the head, knee, or body, in token of reverence or submission; -- often with down.
- To incline the head in token of salutation, civility, or assent; to make bow.
- To play (music) with a bow.
- To manage the bow.
4 . Bow [ v. t.]
- To cause to deviate from straightness; to bend; to inflect; to make crooked or curved.
- To exercise powerful or controlling influence over; to bend, figuratively; to turn; to incline.
- To bend or incline, as the head or body, in token of respect, gratitude, assent, homage, or condescension.
- To cause to bend down; to prostrate; to depress,;/ to crush; to subdue.
- To express by bowing; as, to bow one's thanks.
- Anything bent, or in the form of a curve, as the rainbow.
- A weapon made of a strip of wood, or other elastic material, with a cord connecting the two ends, by means of which an arrow is propelled.
- An ornamental knot, with projecting loops, formed by doubling a ribbon or string.
- The U-shaped piece which embraces the neck of an ox and fastens it to the yoke.
- An appliance consisting of an elastic rod, with a number of horse hairs stretched from end to end of it, used in playing on a stringed instrument.
- An arcograph.
- Any instrument consisting of an elastic rod, with ends connected by a string, employed for giving reciprocating motion to a drill, or for preparing and arranging the hair, fur, etc., used by hatters.
- A rude sort of quadrant formerly used for taking the sun's altitude at sea.

Meaning of 'Bow' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . bow [ n]
Meaning (1):
- front part of a vessel or aircraft
Example in sentence:
  • he pointed the bow of the boat toward the finish line
2 . bow [ v]
Meaning (2):
- bend the head or the upper part of the body in a gesture of respect or greeting
Example in sentence:
  • He bowed before the King
Meaning (3):
- bend one's knee or body, or lower one's head
Example in sentence:
  • He bowed before the King;
  • She bowed her head in shame
Meaning (4):
- bend one's back forward from the waist on down
Example in sentence:
  • he crouched down;
  • She bowed before the Queen;
  • The young man stooped to pick up the girl's purse
Meaning (5):
- yield to another's wish or opinion
Example in sentence:
  • The government bowed to the military pressure