B2 adjective Neutral

bow

/boʊ/

Relating to a curved or arched shape, often used in architectural or technical contexts to describe structures that bend outward. It can also refer to components located at the forward part of a vessel or structure.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The cottage was famous for its beautiful bow window that offered a panoramic view of the garden.

The cottage was well-known for its curved window that provided a wide view of the garden.

2

The architectural plans specify a bow front for the new museum to symbolize a ship's hull.

The building designs require a curved front for the museum to represent the body of a ship.

3

He looked a bit bow-legged walking in those heavy cowboy boots.

His legs appeared to curve outward while he was wearing those heavy boots.

Word Family

Noun
bow
Verb
bow
Adjective
bowed
Related
bowline
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Memory Tip

Think of a 'bow and arrow'—the wood must be 'bow' (curved) to create the tension needed to shoot.

Quick Quiz

The historic library features a large ___ window that lets in light from three different angles.

Correct!

The correct answer is: bow

Examples

1

The cottage was famous for its beautiful bow window that offered a panoramic view of the garden.

everyday

The cottage was well-known for its curved window that provided a wide view of the garden.

2

The architectural plans specify a bow front for the new museum to symbolize a ship's hull.

formal

The building designs require a curved front for the museum to represent the body of a ship.

3

He looked a bit bow-legged walking in those heavy cowboy boots.

informal

His legs appeared to curve outward while he was wearing those heavy boots.

4

In structural engineering, a bow deformation occurs when a vertical member bends under an axial load.

academic

In engineering, a curved distortion happens when a straight part bends under pressure.

5

The furniture manufacturer specializes in bow-fronted cabinets for high-end office spaces.

business

The furniture maker focuses on cabinets with curved fronts for expensive offices.

Word Family

Noun
bow
Verb
bow
Adjective
bowed
Related
bowline

Common Collocations

bow window A curved bay window.
bow shape An outward-curving form.
bow-legged Having legs that curve outward at the knees.
bow saw A saw with a curved frame.
bow front A curved forward surface of a piece of furniture.

Common Phrases

bow-shaped

Formed in the shape of a curve or arch.

bow-fronted

Having a front side that curves outward.

bow-back chair

A chair with a curved wooden back piece.

Often Confused With

bow vs bough

A bough is a large branch of a tree, whereas bow refers to a curve or the front of a ship.

bow vs bowed

Bowed is the standard adjective form; bow is often used as an attributive noun or in specific compound terms.

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Usage Notes

As an adjective, 'bow' is most frequently found in compound words like 'bow-legged' or technical terms like 'bow window'. It is rarely used as a standalone adjective in modern conversation.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often struggle with the pronunciation; when referring to the shape (like a bow and arrow), it is /boʊ/, but when referring to the front of a ship, it is /baʊ/.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'bow and arrow'—the wood must be 'bow' (curved) to create the tension needed to shoot.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English 'boga', meaning something curved or bent, from the Proto-Germanic 'bugon'.

Grammar Patterns

Usually functions as an attributive adjective before a noun. Commonly appears in hyphenated compound adjectives. Does not typically have comparative or superlative forms (e.g., 'bower' is not used for shape).

Quick Quiz

The historic library features a large ___ window that lets in light from three different angles.

Correct!

The correct answer is: bow

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