bow

From Wiktionary

Pronunciation[change]

noun 1, verb 1
noun 2, verb 2, noun 3

Noun 1[change]

Singular
bow

Plural
bows

  1. A bow is a weapon whose ends are connected by a string, used for shooting arrows.
  2. A bow is a curved bend. Such as in a river or road.
  3. A bow is a long stick-like object with horsehair, used for playing stringed musical instruments.
  4. A bow is a type of knot with two loops, such as used to tie shoes or strings on a dress, or to make something pretty, such as in gifts.

Synonyms[change]

Related word and phrases[change]

Verb 1[change]

Plain form
bow

Third-person singular
bows

Past tense
bowed

Past participle
bowed

Present participle
bowing

  1. To play music on (a stringed instrument) using a bow.
    The musician bowed his violin expertly.
  2. (intransitive) To become bent or curved.
    The shelf bowed under the weight of the books.
  3. (transitive) To make something bend or curve.

Noun 2[change]

Singular
bow

Plural
bows

  1. To bend the waist or head forward toward someone, usually showing respect.
    He bowed politely as he entered the room.

Verb 2[change]

Plain form
bow

Third-person singular
bows

Past tense
bowed

Past participle
bowed

Present participle
bowing

  1. (intransitive) To bend oneself as a sign of respect.

Related words and phrases[change]

Noun 3[change]

Singular
bow

Plural
bows

The bow of a ship
  1. (nautical) The front of a boat or ship.