arrow
A slender, pointed projectile shot from a bow, typically consisting of a straight shaft with a sharp head and stabilizing feathers. It is also widely used as a graphic symbol or indicator to denote direction, movement, or a specific point of focus.
Examples
3 of 5Follow the painted arrow on the pavement to locate the designated parking area.
Follow the painted arrow on the pavement to locate the designated parking area.
The archaeological site yielded several flint arrowheads, suggesting the inhabitants were skilled hunters.
The archaeological site yielded several flint arrowheads, suggesting the inhabitants were skilled hunters.
Just click the little arrow in the corner to expand the menu.
Just click the little arrow in the corner to expand the menu.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Visualize the letter 'A' as the sharp tip of an Arrow pointing toward the sky.
Quick Quiz
The detective noticed a small ____ drawn in chalk on the wall, pointing toward the secret passage.
Correct!
The correct answer is: arrow
Examples
Follow the painted arrow on the pavement to locate the designated parking area.
everydayFollow the painted arrow on the pavement to locate the designated parking area.
The archaeological site yielded several flint arrowheads, suggesting the inhabitants were skilled hunters.
formalThe archaeological site yielded several flint arrowheads, suggesting the inhabitants were skilled hunters.
Just click the little arrow in the corner to expand the menu.
informalJust click the little arrow in the corner to expand the menu.
In Euclidean geometry, a vector is often represented geometrically as a directed arrow whose length corresponds to the magnitude.
academicIn Euclidean geometry, a vector is often represented geometrically as a directed arrow whose length corresponds to the magnitude.
The green upward arrow on the dashboard indicates that our stock prices have stabilized after the merger.
businessThe green upward arrow on the dashboard indicates that our stock prices have stabilized after the merger.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
straight as an arrow
straight as an arrow (perfectly straight or very honest)
another arrow in one's quiver
another arrow in one's quiver (an additional resource or strategy)
Cupid's arrow
Cupid's arrow (the metaphorical cause of falling in love)
Often Confused With
Narrow is an adjective meaning limited in width, whereas arrow is a noun referring to a projectile or symbol.
Harrow is a farming tool used to break up soil, which sounds similar but has a completely different meaning.
Usage Notes
While 'arrow' primarily refers to the weapon, in digital and technical contexts, it almost exclusively refers to the cursor or navigation icons. The verb form 'to arrow' is rare but means to move swiftly and directly like an arrow.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 'arrow' with 'pointer'. While an arrow is a type of pointer, a mouse cursor is specifically a pointer, though it may be shaped like an arrow.
Memory Tip
Visualize the letter 'A' as the sharp tip of an Arrow pointing toward the sky.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old English 'arwe', which has Germanic roots shared with the Old Norse 'ör'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The arrow is a powerful cultural symbol across many civilizations, representing the hunt, war (specifically the English Longbowmen), and the Greek god Eros (Cupid).
Quick Quiz
The detective noticed a small ____ drawn in chalk on the wall, pointing toward the secret passage.
Correct!
The correct answer is: arrow
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
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