Bow Definition
bow
noun
- a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces
- a slightly curved piece of resilient wood with taut horsehair strands; used in playing certain stringed instruments
- front part of a vessel or aircraft; "he pointed the bow of the boat toward the finish line"
- a weapon for shooting arrows, composed of a curved piece of resilient wood with a taut cord to propel the arrow
- something curved in shape
- bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame or greeting
- an appearance by actors or performers at the end of the concert or play in order to acknowledge the applause of the audience
- a decorative interlacing of ribbons
- a stroke with a curved piece of wood with taut horsehair strands that is used in playing stringed instruments
verb
- bend one's knee or body, or lower one's head; "He bowed before the King"; "She bowed her head in shame"
- yield to another's wish or opinion; "The government bowed to the military pressure"
- bend the head or the upper part of the body in a gesture of respect or greeting; "He bowed before the King"
- bend one's back forward from the waist on down; "he crouched down"; "She bowed before the Queen"; "The young man stooped to pick up the girl's purse"
- play on a string instrument with a bow
"Bow" in song lyrics
See how bow is used in real songs:
-
"Or Mysti-cal, with that cha cha bow"
40 Cal. — 40 Cals -
"They'll take your head, cause you probably wouldn't even bow"
Aceyalone & RJD2 — Cornbread, Eddie and Me -
"I'm an archer rising with a drawn bow"
Aesop Rock — Shovel
Words that rhyme with bow
Usage tips for "bow"
Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "bow" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for bow to find words that pair well.