noun
bow
A curved weapon with a taut string for shooting arrows.
She draws her bow and aims at the distant target.
Etymology
Old English boga named a bend or arch. The weapon’s bent shape is central to its operation, storing energy when its string is drawn back.
More examples
- He practices shooting arrows with a bow.
- The instructor gives beginners lightweight bows.
- Check the string before you use the bow.
Forms
bow · bows
bowstring noun — The cord stretched between a bow's ends.
Similar words
- longbow
- A tall bow traditionally made from one piece of wood.
- crossbow
- A bow mounted on a stock and fired with a trigger.