rhizoverbBeta
DictionarybowerSheltered retreat
noun

bower

BOWW-er/ˈbaʊər/

A sheltered, private place, often shaded by trees or climbing plants.

Climbing vines shade the bench inside the bower.

A shaded leafy garden bower with climbing vines arching over a bench.
Etymology
bowerOld Englishroom, dwelling, chamber

Old English bur meant a room or dwelling. The garden sense carries that idea of shelter into a leafy enclosure, where trees provide the protection and seclusion of a chamber.

In context

Vivid Audio Library214:37
Daphne's bower, which they entered, and sat there to taste the coolness
The Ordeal of Richard Feverel by George Meredith (Part 1) | Full Classic Victorian Novel Audiobook

More examples

  • They sat in a shaded bower at the garden’s edge.
  • A secluded bower overlooked the stream.
  • The poem describes a leafy bower for two lovers.

Forms

bower · bowers

Similar words

arbor
An arbor is a garden structure supporting climbing plants; a bower can be any leafy, sheltered retreat.
alcove
An alcove is a recessed sheltered space; bower often suggests natural shade and privacy.