1. a stroke of the bow on a stringed instrument (such as a violin) moving from the frog toward the tip
Usage: music; technical term used in string performance

1. of or relating to a downbow stroke
Usage: music; used to mark or describe bowing direction in musical notation

Examples

• The violinist began the phrase with a strong downbow.
• A downbow stroke produces a fuller, more resonant tone on the cello.
• The composer marked the passage with downbow indications to ensure proper articulation.
• Young string players must practice alternating between downbow and upbow movements.
• The downbow symbol (⊓) appears above the note in the sheet music.