Bow meaning

What does “bow” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“bow” is a noun and verb with 14 meanings. Its most common meaning is: a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces.

bow

a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces
Synonymsbowknot
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”
Synonymsfore prow stem
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
Synonymsarc
bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame or greeting
Synonymsbowing obeisance
an appearance by actors or performers at the end of the concert or play in order to acknowledge the applause of the audience
Synonymscurtain call
a decorative interlacing of ribbons
a stroke with a curved piece of wood with taut horsehair strands that is used in playing stringed instruments

bend one's knee or body, or lower one's head
“He bowed before the King”
“She bowed her head in shame”
Synonymsbow down
yield to another's wish or opinion
“The government bowed to the military pressure”
Synonymssubmit defer accede give in
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”
Synonymscrouch stoop bend
play on a stringed instrument with a bow

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University