rhizoverbBeta
DictionarybowGesture of respect
noun / verb

bow

BOW/bˈaʊ/

To bend the head or body downward or into a curve.

The performer bows at the waist to acknowledge the audience.

A Latina stage performer bends forward at the waist to acknowledge the audience respectfully.
Etymology
bowOld Englishto bend, bow down

Old English bugan already included bending the body in reverence or submission, not just bending generally. The noun names that respectful movement of the head or body.

In context

ThinkTech Hawaii23:38
don't do a bad bow that's insulting what we were advised for male and females is just a nod of the head if you're not sure how to bow
Deciphering The "Inscrutable" Japanese and their Neighbors (We Like The 1%)

More examples

  • She greets the visitors with a slight bow.
  • The wooden shelf bows under the weight of the books.
  • The old fence has bowed outward over time.

Forms

bow · bows · bowed · bowing

Similar words

nod
A smaller head movement, often signaling agreement or acknowledgment.
curtsy
A respectful lowering of the body by bending the knees.