Dictionary bowFront of a boat

noun

bow

The front part of a ship or boat.

The bow of the boat cuts through the choppy water.

Etymology

bowOld Norseshoulder

Old Norse bógr named a shoulder. Nautical use applies that body image to the forward part of a vessel, where its sides curve toward the front.

More examples

She stands at the bow and watches for dolphins.
Point the bow toward the open water.
The two boats float with their bows facing the dock.

Forms

bow · bows

Similar words

prow: Usually emphasizes the pointed forward tip of a boat.
front: A general term for the forward part of anything.