B2 verb Neutral

bowman

/ˈboʊmən/

A person who is skilled in using a bow and arrow, commonly known as an archer. It can also refer to a person who sits in the front (the bow) of a boat to assist with rowing or navigation.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The local sports club invited an expert bowman to demonstrate traditional archery techniques.

The local sports club invited an expert bowman to demonstrate traditional archery techniques.

2

Historical chronicles suggest that the King's personal bowman was instrumental in the victory at Agincourt.

Historical chronicles suggest that the King's personal bowman was instrumental in the victory at Agincourt.

3

He's a decent bowman, but he needs more practice if he wants to win the tournament.

He's a decent bowman, but he needs more practice if he wants to win the tournament.

Word Family

Noun
bowman
Verb
bow
Adjective
bowman-like
Related
bowmanship
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Memory Tip

Visualize a man holding a large wooden 'bow'—he is a 'bow-man'.

Quick Quiz

The historical novel depicts a young ___ who must protect his village using only his arrows and skill.

Correct!

The correct answer is: a

Examples

1

The local sports club invited an expert bowman to demonstrate traditional archery techniques.

everyday

The local sports club invited an expert bowman to demonstrate traditional archery techniques.

2

Historical chronicles suggest that the King's personal bowman was instrumental in the victory at Agincourt.

formal

Historical chronicles suggest that the King's personal bowman was instrumental in the victory at Agincourt.

3

He's a decent bowman, but he needs more practice if he wants to win the tournament.

informal

He's a decent bowman, but he needs more practice if he wants to win the tournament.

4

The structure of Bowman's capsule is a fundamental topic in the study of renal anatomy and physiology.

academic

The structure of Bowman's capsule is a fundamental topic in the study of renal anatomy and physiology.

5

Our marketing campaign uses the image of a bowman to represent precision and hitting the target market.

business

Our marketing campaign uses the image of a bowman to represent precision and hitting the target market.

Word Family

Noun
bowman
Verb
bow
Adjective
bowman-like
Related
bowmanship

Common Collocations

skilled bowman an archer with high proficiency
master bowman a person who has reached the highest level of archery
Bowman's capsule a cup-like sac at the beginning of the tubular component of a nephron
front bowman the person positioned at the front of a rowing boat
expert bowman a highly knowledgeable or experienced archer

Common Phrases

master bowman

an elite level of archer

the lead bowman

the primary archer or front rower

Bowman's glands

olfactory glands in the nasal mucosa

Often Confused With

bowman vs boatman

A boatman is someone who works on or provides transport by boat, whereas a bowman is specifically an archer or a front-seated rower.

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Usage Notes

The term is somewhat archaic in everyday speech, where 'archer' is more common, but it remains standard in historical fiction, rowing sports, and anatomy (as a proper noun).

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 'bowman' with 'boatman' or assume it refers to someone who 'bows' (the gesture of respect).

💡

Memory Tip

Visualize a man holding a large wooden 'bow'—he is a 'bow-man'.

📖

Word Origin

From Middle English 'bow' (the weapon) and 'man', reflecting the historical role of soldiers in medieval armies.

Grammar Patterns

Irregular plural form: bowmen Commonly used as a compound noun or as part of proper nouns in biology (Bowman's)
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Cultural Context

The English longbowman is a significant figure in British history and folklore, famously associated with legends like Robin Hood and historical battles like Agincourt.

Quick Quiz

The historical novel depicts a young ___ who must protect his village using only his arrows and skill.

Correct!

The correct answer is: a

Related Words

principled

C2

Acting in accordance with morality and high standards of behavior. It describes a person or an action guided by a strict set of values and integrity rather than by personal gain or convenience.

analytical

C1

Relating to or using analysis or logical reasoning to understand something by breaking it down into its constituent parts. It describes a systematic approach to problem-solving and the ability to evaluate information critically.

approach

C1

A systematic way of dealing with something or a specific perspective taken when addressing a problem or task. It can also refer to the physical act of moving nearer to someone or something in distance or time.

authorize

C1

To grant official permission or legal power to someone to perform a specific action or to allow something to happen. It typically involves a formal process or a person in a position of authority validating a request or procedure.

beneficial

B2

Beneficial describes something that has a good effect or promotes well-being. It is frequently used in formal or academic contexts to highlight the advantages or positive outcomes of a specific action, substance, or situation.

consistent

C2

The quality of achieving a level of performance which does not vary over time, or the state of being coherent and not contradictory in logical or behavioral terms. Physically, it refers to the degree of thickness, firmness, or viscosity found in a substance.

constitutional

C2

Relating to the fundamental principles or established laws that govern a state or organization. It can also refer to an individual's physical health or inherent temperament.

contextual

B2

Relating to the circumstances or setting in which something exists or occurs. It describes information that helps explain the meaning of an event, statement, or idea by looking at its surroundings.

contract

C1

A formal and legally binding agreement between two or more parties that establishes mutual obligations. In academic and legal contexts, it refers to the specific terms, conditions, and enforcement mechanisms that govern a transaction or relationship.

contractor

C1

A person or company that performs work or provides goods and services under a specific legal agreement. Unlike a regular employee, a contractor is usually hired for a specific project or a fixed period of time as an independent entity.

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