1. a weapon for shooting arrows, made of a curved piece of wood or other material with a string stretched between the ends
2. a knot tied with loops, typically used for decoration or fastening
3. the front part of a ship or boat
Usage: nautical

1. to bend the head or upper body forward as a sign of respect, greeting, or acknowledgment
2. to bend or curve downward

Examples

• The archer drew back the bow and aimed at the target.
• She tied her hair with a bright red bow.
• The captain stood at the bow of the ship.
• The violinist rosined her bow before the performance.
• He bowed politely when introduced to the queen.
• The tree branches bowed under the weight of the snow.
• She learned to bow properly in her dance class.
• The old man’s back was bowed with age.