Dictionary definition · bow
noun
- a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces
- front part of a vessel or aircraft"he pointed the bow of the boat toward the finish line"
- a slightly curved piece of resilient wood with taut horsehair strands; used in playing certain stringed instruments
- bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame or greeting
- a weapon for shooting arrows, composed of a curved piece of resilient wood with a taut cord to propel the arrow
- an appearance by actors or performers at the end of the concert or play in order to acknowledge the applause of the audience
- something curved in shape
verb
- bend one's knee or body, or lower one's head"He bowed before the King"
- play on a stringed instrument with a bow
- yield to another's wish or opinion"The government bowed to the military pressure"
- bend the head or the upper part of the body in a gesture of respect or greeting"He bowed before the King"
- bend one's back forward from the waist on down"he crouched down"
Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).