rhizoverbBeta
DictionarybowlineFixed-loop knot
noun

bowline

BOH-lin/ˈbaʊlaɪn/

A knot that forms a secure fixed loop.

The taut rope forms a secure bowline around the anchor peg.

A close-up of a correctly tied bowline in a single rope, with its fixed loop pulling against a smooth anchor peg and its standing part taut.
Etymology
bowEnglishfront of a ship
+lineEnglishrope

The historical word named a rope on a sailing ship, and its first element is apparently connected with a ship’s bow. The supplied evidence does not explain how it became the name of this knot.

In context

Old Time Radio Researchers2:48
this here is a bowline see here you try it sailor
Cavalcade of America - CALV 440103 364 Bullseye for Sammy

More examples

  • The bowline formed a loop that would not tighten under the load.
  • He practiced tying a bowline with one hand.
  • The instructor checked every bowline before the exercise.

Forms

bowline · bowlines

Similar words

loop
A loop is any curved rope shape; a bowline is a particular knot that secures a fixed loop.
noose
A noose tightens when pulled; a correctly tied bowline’s loop remains fixed.