a slightly curved piece of resilient wood with taut horsehair strands; used in playing certain stringed instruments
"The violinist adjusted her bow to ensure the horsehair was tight before drawing it across the strings."
a weapon for shooting arrows, composed of a curved piece of resilient wood with a taut cord to propel the arrow
"The archer drew back the string on her wooden bow before releasing the arrow toward the target."
an appearance by actors or performers at the end of the concert or play in order to acknowledge the applause of the audience
"After the final curtain call, the entire cast took a bow to thank the cheering crowd."
a decorative interlacing of ribbons
"The bride wore her hair adorned with a delicate bow made of silk ribbons."
a stroke with a curved piece of wood with taut horsehair strands that is used in playing stringed instruments
"The orchestra waited quietly before the conductor raised his bow to begin the symphony."
A weapon made of a curved piece of wood or other flexible material whose ends are connected by a string, used for shooting arrows.
"The captain stood at the bow to guide the ship through the stormy waves."
A gesture, usually showing respect, made by inclining the head or bending forward at the waist; a reverence
The front of a boat or ship.
The front of a boat or ship.
In plain English: The bow is the pointed front part of a boat.
"The waves crashed against the bow of the ferry as it approached the dock."
Usage: Bow (noun - ship part) Refer to the bow when discussing the forward-most section of a boat or ship; it's where the vessel cuts through the water. Avoid confusing it with "bow" meaning to bend at the waist or a decorative knot.
bend the head or the upper part of the body in a gesture of respect or greeting
"He bowed before the King"
play on a stringed instrument with a bow
"She gracefully bowed the violin during the final movement of the concerto."
To play music on (a stringed) instrument using a bow.
"The ambassador bowed deeply to the visiting dignitary as a sign of profound respect."
To bend oneself as a gesture of respect or deference.
In plain English: To bow means to lean forward from your waist to show politeness or honor.
"The performer took a deep bow after the standing ovation."
Usage: Use "bow" when describing the act of bending at the waist, often as a sign of greeting, respect, or apology. For example, "The performer took a deep bow after the standing ovation."
A surname.
"Captain Bow led his team to victory in the championship game."
This word comes from Old English boga and originally meant a curved stick used as a weapon. It traces its roots back through Middle English to the Proto-Germanic language.