bow1 verbbow2 nounbow3 nounbow4 verb
bowbow1 /baʊ/ ●●○ verb 
VERB TABLE
bow
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | bow |
| he, she, it | bows | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | bowed |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have bowed |
| he, she, it | has bowed | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had bowed |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will bow |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have bowed |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am bowing |
| he, she, it | is bowing | |
| you, we, they | are bowing | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was bowing |
| you, we, they | were bowing | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been bowing |
| he, she, it | has been bowing | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been bowing |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be bowing |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been bowing |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- All the men turned and bowed as the Emperor passed.
- Archer bowed and left the stage.
- But another clone wannabe bowed out of the game Tuesday.
- I sighed and bowed to the inevitable.
- The Prime Minister, however, was simply bowing to the inevitable.
- The women and children now catch up their master, and each group in turn bows down before Esau.
- They bowed and waited for the mayor to speak first.
- When he made his rounds on a light-gray donkey, people bowed their heads and dared not look at his face.
- Willie turned to face the fire, his head bowed over the range.
Longman Language Activatorto accept something after first refusing or opposing it
to accept someone's suggestion, offer, or demand, after refusing it for some time: finally accept something: · After a three week strike, the company has finally accepted the workers' pay demands.· The owners finally accepted our offer of £62,000.(finally) have to accept something: · The President finally had to accept that there was little support for his health care initiatives.
to unwillingly agree to accept someone's demands after they have argued with you, asked you repeatedly, or threatened you: · Jenny kept begging me for a new bicycle, and I finally gave in.give in to: · The President said he would never give in to demands by terrorists.· You shouldn't always give in to other people -- stick up for yourself more.
to agree to stop saying that you are right or that other people obey you: · Even though it was obvious Emma's demands were unrealistic, she wouldn't back down.back down on: · Congress has backed down on its demand for an increase in defense spending.
: bow to somebody's wishes/opinions/demands/pressure etc to agree to do something because many people want you to, even though you do not want to do it: · The government finally bowed to public opinion and abolished the unpopular tax.· McDonald's finally bowed to consumer pressure and announced that it would no longer use styrofoam boxes to package its hamburgers.
: accede to somebody's demands/request/wishes formal to accept someone's demands etc: · The Democrats have finally acceded to Republican demands to cut taxes.· Meyer acceded to the President's request that he continue as education secretary until a replacement could be found.
to finally accept what someone has suggested or to finally agree to something that they want - use this when you think someone should not accept something and are being weak if they do: · Strike leaders are privately saying they would like an end to the dispute, but don't want to be seen to be caving in.cave in to: · It's unlikely that the government will cave in to the rebels' demands.
ashamed someone who is ashamed feels very sorry about something they have done or embarrassed by something relating to them, so that they think people may no longer respect them: · I didn't want anyone to know I'd been fired because I felt ashamed.ashamed of: · She was so ashamed of cheating on the test that she went and told the teacher.· For a long time I was ashamed of my father and the fact he never finished school.ashamed about: · There's nothing to be ashamed about - lots of people have money problems.ashamed (that): · I realize now that you were telling the truth, and I'm ashamed that I didn't believe you.ashamed to do something: · She really needed me but - I'm ashamed to admit it - I didn't help her.ashamed of yourself: · You ought to be ashamed of yourself - coming home drunk like that!bitterly/deeply ashamed: · The knowledge that I had caused him to lose his job made me bitterly ashamed.
feeling very ashamed and upset, especially because you have been made to look weak or stupid and you think that no one will respect you: · Ross yelled at me in front of the whole office - I've never been so humiliated in my life!· Many women who have been assaulted feel too frightened and humiliated to report their ordeal.
to be so ashamed about something you have done to someone that you find it difficult to be with them or talk to them: · I'm so embarrassed - I'll never be able to look her in the face again.· After the layoffs were announced, I couldn't look any of the people on the shop floor in the face.
showing in the expression on your face that you are ashamed about something and you know you have behaved badly: · He came to my office, shamefaced, to apologize.· A shamefaced spokesperson admitted that mistakes had been made.
to look ashamed: · He bowed his head in shame as the details of his arrest were read out in court.
spoken use this to tell someone that they should feel shame because of something they have done: · Shame on you for lying to your grandmother!
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
The servant bowed low and handed his master the sealed note. Come, let us bow down in worship. Congress may bow to public pressure and lift the arms embargo. Myers finally bowed to the inevitable (=accepted something he could not change) and withdrew from the campaign.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES She pulled the ribbon tightly and tied a bow.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB
The servant bowed low and handed his master the sealed note. Come, let us bow down in worship. Congress may bow to public pressure and lift the arms embargo. Myers finally bowed to the inevitable (=accepted something he could not change) and withdrew from the campaign. (=look down)· He bowed his head and tried not not to look at her.
(also give in to pressure) (=do what people want you to do)· He eventually gave in to pressure and resigned.
(=look down, or feel like you should look down, because you feel so ashamed) I bow my head in shame when I think of how I treated her.
I bow my head in shame when I think of how I treated her. She pulled the ribbon tightly and tied a bow.· Tara, clad in a tight yellow leotard and matching ruffled skirt, bowed deeply amidst the applause.· I turn back to my class, bowing deeply.· With that the beggar bowed deeply to the handsome couple and laughed until he was rocking back and forth.· I bow deeply, then move my hands in the motion I learned last night at the Kudakajima circle dance.
· This is where all the stars bow down.· Some one in Manhattan they would bow down and adore.· The women and children now catch up their master, and each group in turn bows down before Esau.· When the sun sets, its inhabitants bow down in unison amid their baobab and thorn trees toward Mecca to pray.· The gurgling male, alternately bowing down and rearing up, chased the female from one row of tiles to the next.· They were literally bowed down with grief....· But still, because he does not bow down before his own popularity, he retains a certain distance.· And bowed down to resume his strange rump-in-the-air and face-in-the-sea posture.
· Loosen tie & undo top button of shirt so that shirt collar bows out and tie arches forward like a cup handle.· The Big Ten laid a Big Egg, with all five of its teams bowing out.· They began their Springbok lives together but both reject suggestions that they plan to bow out at Twickenham.· But another clone wannabe bowed out of the game Tuesday.· This year Rudolph Giuliani, the city's crime-busting mayor, bows out.· But Woods said he bowed out this week after discussing the issue with Dole.· After a lucky thirteen episodes, Crawford decided that Frank Spencer should bow out.· When Steve Winwood bowed out because of illness, a call was made for a replacement.
· Willie turned to face the fire, his head bowed over the range.· I bow over the toilet to retch but reverse away fast as last night's urine smells like cat shit this morning.· The Nativity, with Mary and Joseph bowing over a sleeping child.· Albert bowed over the girl's hand - Caro would bet it wasn't his wife.
· The porter bowed slightly, but said nothing.· He bowed slightly at the waist.· He took his had off and bowed slightly.
NOUN· Environmental groups also criticized the agreement, claiming that governments had bowed to the demands of chemical companies.· The Government bowed to the inevitable after other countries threatened to outvote it.
· An armed guard stood there in the doorway, head bowed, a clean silk pau folded over one arm.· She lifted her head, then bowed it again, avoiding my eyes.· In the centre, Ghost of the Tree stood alone, his arms around his skull-staff, his head bowed.· He sat on a stool with his head bowed, his feet frozen.· She poured the wine then backed away, her head bowed, her throat suddenly dry, her heart pounding.· It is merely the sight of a small head bowed over the pages that gives me indescribable joy.· On his left head bowed, eyes hidden by her fringe, sits Ma.· Lots of guys are starting to walk around with their heads raised instead of bowing to Tiger.
· That same month, bowing to pressure, he agreed to appoint a Minister for the Coordination of Defence.· In August he bowed to the pressure, put Elias Snider in charge, and made Beck one of the commissioners.· However, the bill was revised in parliament by Solidarity politicians bowing to populist pressures.· The governors, nevertheless, bowed to pressure from Republican congressional leaders not to call for reopening welfare legislation for major changes.· Meanwhile Mr Redwood's successor has bowed to pressure to sever his business links with Asda.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► a shot across the bows/a warning shot (across the bows)► have more than one string to your bow
1[intransitive] to bend the top part of your body forward in order to show respect for someone important, or as a way of thanking an audience: - And bowed down to resume his strange rump-in-the-air and face-in-the-sea posture.
- Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you.
- I bowed my head and prayed.
- Jerry stood there with his head bowed in shame.
- He watched open-mouthed as Alice bowed her head and her eyes, her gloriously blue eyes, opened fully.
- I bow my head in shame when I think of the countries we've looted and the people we've subjugated.
- Lilly winced, and Mandon gravely bowed his head in acknowledgment.
- She again bows her head and sniffs for more apples.
- The man bowed his head as if in prayer.
- The other Women bowed their heads, and the silence lengthened, broken only by the murmuring of the huge trees.
- When she finished he gave a short laugh and bowed his head.
- With that, doctor and patient joined hands and bowed their heads as Keys prayed.
- The Oistrakhs bow and scrape in evening dress, on Emi-tape.
- Kids always get to shoot air guns, draw bows and fire arrows, and catch fish for free.
She bowed and left the stage. Corbett entered the room, bowing respectfully. The servant bowed low and handed his master the sealed note.bow before/to He bowed before the king.2bow your head to bend your neck so that you are looking at the ground, especially because you want to show respect for God, or because you are embarrassed or upset: She bowed her head and prayed. Phil stood, his head bowed in shame.3[intransitive, transitive] to bend your body over something, especially in order to see it more closelybow over Teague sat at his desk, bowed over a book.4[intransitive, transitive] to bend, or to make something bend: The trees bowed in the wind. His back was bowed under the weight of the heavy bag.5bow and scrape to show too much respect to someone in authority – used to show disapprovalbow down phrasal verb1to bend your body forward, especially when you are already kneeling, in order to show respectbow down before/to etc Maria bowed down before the statue. Come, let us bow down in worship.2bow down to somebody literary to let someone give you orders or tell you what to do – used to show disapprovalbow out phrasal verb1to stop taking part in an activity, job etc, especially one that you have been doing for a long timebow out of Reeves thinks it is time for him to bow out of politics.2to not do something that you have promised or agreed to dobow out of You’re not trying to bow out of this, are you?bow to somebody/something phrasal verb to finally agree to do something, even though you do not want to do it: Congress may bow to public pressure and lift the arms embargo. Myers finally bowed to the inevitable (=accepted something he could not change) and withdrew from the campaign.bow1 verbbow2 nounbow3 nounbow4 verb
bowbow2 /baʊ/ ●●○ noun EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- She had a red bow in her hair.
WORD SETS
adrift, adjectiveaft, adjectiveahoy, interjectionaircraft carrier, nounamidships, adverbanchor, nounanchor, verbanchorage, nounark, nounastern, adverbballast, nounbarge, nounbargee, nounbargepole, nounbarnacle, nounbarque, nounbarrage, nounbeach, verbbeam, nounbecalmed, adjectiveberth, nounberth, verbbilge, nounbill of lading, nounbillow, nounblade, nounboat, nounboat hook, nounboathouse, nounboating, nounboatman, nounbob, verbbollard, nounboom, nounbow, nounbridge, nounbrig, nounbulkhead, nounbunk, nounbuoy, nouncabin, nouncabin boy, nouncabin class, nouncabin cruiser, nouncable, nouncanal, nouncanal boat, nouncanoe, nouncanoe, verbcapstan, nouncaptain, nouncatamaran, nouncircumnavigate, verbclipper, nouncoast, verbcoaster, nouncoastguard, nouncockpit, nouncommodore, nouncompanionway, nounconning tower, nouncoracle, nouncordage, nouncox, nouncoxswain, nouncraft, nouncrew, verbcrossing, nouncrow's nest, nouncruise, verbcruise liner, nouncruiser, nouncruise ship, nouncutter, noundeck, noundecompression chamber, nounderrick, noundinghy, noundisembark, verbdisgorge, verbdisplacement, noundock, noundock, verbdocker, noundockside, noundockyard, noundory, noundownstream, adverbdraught, noundraw, verbdrawbridge, noundredge, verbdredger, noundrift, verbdrift, noundrifter, noundriftwood, noundrilling platform, noundrown, verbdry dock, noundugout, noundyke, nounembark, verbensign, nounferry, nounferry, verbferryboat, nounfigurehead, nounfirst mate, nounfirst officer, nounfleet, nounflotilla, nounfo'c'sle, nounforecastle, nounfounder, verbfrigate, nounfrogman, noungalleon, noungalley, noungangplank, noungangway, noungondola, noungondolier, noungrappling iron, nounground, verbgunnel, noungunwale, nounhalyard, nounharbour, nounhatch, nounhawser, nounhelm, nounhelmsman, nounhigh tide, nounhigh water, nounhigh water mark, nounhold, nounhoot, nounhoot, verbhouseboat, nounhovercraft, nounhulk, nounhull, nounhydrofoil, nounhydroplane, nounhydroplane, verbicebreaker, nouninboard, adjectiveinflatable, nouninflow, nounJet Ski, nounjetty, nounjib, nounjunk, nounkayak, nounkeel, nounketch, nounknot, nounkt, land, verblanding stage, nounlane, nounlaunch, verblaunch, nounleeward, adjectivelife belt, nounlifeboat, nounlife buoy, nounlife jacket, nounlifeline, nounlife preserver, nounlife raft, nounlife vest, nounlighter, nounlighthouse, nounlightship, nounliner, nounlist, verblock, nounlock keeper, nounlog book, nounlongshoreman, nounlow tide, nounlow water, nounlow water mark, nounlugger, nounmainmast, nounmainsail, nounmaritime, adjectivemast, nounmaster, nounmasthead, nounmerchantman, nounmerchant navy, nounmerchant seaman, nounminesweeper, nounmizzen, nounmoor, verbmooring, nounmother ship, nounmotorboat, nounnarrow boat, nounnautical, adjectivenavigable, adjectivenavigate, verbnavigation, nounoakum, nounoar, nounoarlock, nounoarsman, nounoarswoman, nounoceangoing, adjectiveoffshore, adjectiveoil slick, nounoil tanker, nounoutboard motor, nounoutrigger, nounoverboard, adverboyster bed, nounpacket boat, nounpaddle, nounpaddle, verbpaddle steamer, nounpassage, nounpelagic, adjectiveperiscope, nounpier, nounpilot, nounpilot, verbpitch, verbPlimsoll line, nounplot, verbply, verbpoop deck, nounport, nounporthole, nounport of call, nounpowerboat, nounprivateer, nounpromenade deck, nounpropeller, nounprow, nounpunt, nounpunt, verbpurser, nounquadrant, nounquarterdeck, nounquay, nounraft, nounrafting, nounreef, verbrefit, verbregatta, nounresurface, verbrig, verbrig, nounrigging, nounroll, verbroll, nounroll-on roll-off, adjectivero-ro, nounrow, verbrowboat, nounrowing, nounrowing boat, nounrowlock, nounrubber dinghy, nounrudder, nounsail, verbsail, nounsailboat, nounsailing, nounsailing boat, nounsailing ship, nounsailor, nounsaloon, nounsampan, nounschooner, nounscull, nounscull, verbscupper, verbscupper, nounscuttle, verbseaborne, adjectivesea captain, nounsea dog, nounseafaring, adjectiveseagoing, adjectivesea lane, nounsea legs, nounsealer, nounseaman, nounseamanship, nounseaworthy, adjectivesheet, nounship, nounshipmate, nounshipping, nounshipping lane, nounship's chandler, nounshipwreck, nounshipwright, nounshipyard, nounside-wheeler, nounskiff, nounskull and crossbones, nounslaver, nounslipway, nounsloop, nounsluice, nounsmack, nounsonar, nounspar, nounspeedboat, nounsplice, verbSS, starboard, nounsteam, verbsteamboat, nounsteamer, nounsteamship, nounsteerage, nounsteersman, nounstern, nounstevedore, nounsteward, nounstewardess, nounstoker, nounsub, nounsubmarine, nounsubmarine, adjectivesubmersible, nounsundeck, nounsupertanker, nounswab, verbswell, nounswing bridge, nountack, nountack, verbtender, nounthird class, nountiller, nountonnage, nountopside, adverbtowpath, nountransport, nountransport ship, nountrawler, nountrim, verbtrimaran, nountroopship, nountub, nountug, nounupstream, adverbvessel, nounvoyage, nounvoyage, verbwake, nounwardroom, nounwarship, nounwaterborne, adjectivewaterlogged, adjectivewaterway, nounweir, nounwhaler, nounwheelhouse, nounwhirlpool, nounwindjammer, nounwindward, adjectivewreck, nounyachting, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY This is done with a formal bow to the king or queen.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES She pulled the ribbon tightly and tied a bow.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
(=bow to the audience at the end of a performance) The music ended and the girl took a bow. He gave a final bow just as the curtains came down.
The music ended and the girl took a bow. He gave a final bow just as the curtains came down. This is done with a formal bow to the king or queen. (=look down)· He bowed his head and tried not not to look at her.
(also give in to pressure) (=do what people want you to do)· He eventually gave in to pressure and resigned.
(=look down, or feel like you should look down, because you feel so ashamed) I bow my head in shame when I think of how I treated her.
I bow my head in shame when I think of how I treated her. She pulled the ribbon tightly and tied a bow.· The young woman stands after she says this and makes a deep bow.· I make a deep bow and thank Mrs Nishimae.
· The students then stoop to sit on their heels and issue another formal bow before standing and beginning the lesson.· Before entering it, a student must make a formal bow at the doorway as a mark of respect.· This is done with a formal bow.· At my doorway, Jules said goodnight with a formal little bow.
· He came to his front door to say goodbye, which he did with a handshake and a slight bow.· She made a slight bow and wheeled to the next desk.· The waiter gave the slightest of bows, turned and set off back to the café.· They were just three wires joined at the ends, with only the slightest bow to them.
NOUN· Conversation was limited by the roar of the engine and the thrash of the bow waves.· The branch shattered in half, and the gulls crouched to leap, only to be sucked under the bow waves.· She reached the coast road and a fire engine charged into view, spreading a bow wave.· I have never seen bow waves like these.· The yacht pitched forward as they slid down the bow wave.· The porpoises delight in riding on the bow waves of motor boats, which has frequently proved to be a fatal mistake.
· Mrs Healy saw him running as she looked from her bow window and knew that something must be amiss.
VERB· Marsden held out his hand and took hers in a strong grip, at the same time giving the faintest possible bow.· The waiter gave the slightest of bows, turned and set off back to the café.· Any chariot crew may be given short bows at an additional cost of +1 point per crewman.· Only then did she give a little bow and, pouring herself some wine, settled, kneeling at her husband's side.· They gave her stiff little bows, what she would have expected.
· Then, turning back, he made a final bow to the row of tiny images.· The young woman stands after she says this and makes a deep bow.· Before entering it, a student must make a formal bow at the doorway as a mark of respect.· She made a slight bow and wheeled to the next desk.· To make the bow Tie a knot centrally in strip.· I make a deep bow and thank Mrs Nishimae.· It may well have been used to make bows for local archers who went off to fight in the battle of Agincourt.· Lupe took the ribbon out of her hair and made a bow and glued it on to her cover.
· I wondered if it might take a bow, but it didn't.· And take the bow inside for it.· Lord Reith in his dinner suit, Lady Barnett take a bow.· Then Herb, Junior, had taken his bow and arrow and wounded one of the beasts in the hindquarters.· The song ended and Albert took a bow.· They all deserved to take a bow.· The cellist took up his bow, and drew across his instrument a few subdued notes of Bach.· Then he took the bow and did his utmost to string it.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► a shot across the bows/a warning shot (across the bows)► have more than one string to your bow
1[countable] the act of bending the top part of your body forward to show respect for someone when you meet them, or as a way of thanking an audiencetake/give a bow (=bow to the audience at the end of a performance)- Kids always get to shoot air guns, draw bows and fire arrows, and catch fish for free.
The music ended and the girl took a bow. He gave a final bow just as the curtains came down. This is done with a formal bow to the king or queen.2 (also bows [plural]) [countable] the front part of a shipbow1 verbbow2 nounbow3 nounbow4 verb
bowbow3 /bəʊ/ noun [countable] EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
- An ivory quiver hung upon her left shoulder and in her hand was a bow.
- He tucked his letter inside the pink bow.
- Her blonde hair was pulled back into a smooth chignon and tied with a yellow silk bow.
- Moorish infantry and cavalry, armed with bows, swords and spears, and carrying small round shields.
- That night, another of my presents was a bow tie.
- We learn bow to learn, how to find out, what the general concepts are.
WORD SETS
accessory, nounalter, verbappliqué, nounarmband, nounarmhole, nounbag, nounbejewelled, adjectivebillfold, nounboater, nounbow, nounbowler, nounbow tie, nounbraid, nounbraid, verbbreast-pocket, nounbrim, nounbum bag, nounbust, nounbutton, nounbutton-down, adjectivebuttonhole, nouncape, nounchecked, adjectivecivvies, nounclasp, nouncleat, nounclingy, adjectiveclothes brush, nounclothes hanger, nounclutch bag, nouncoat check, nouncoat hanger, nouncoatroom, nouncobbler, nouncockade, nouncocktail dress, nouncodpiece, nouncollar, nouncollar stud, nouncolour-coordinated, adjectivecolourfast, adjectivecorsage, nouncostume, nouncoveralls, nouncravat, nouncrinkly, adjectivecut, noundark glasses, noundarn, verbdarn, noundart, noundécolletage, noundetailing, noundiadem, noundiaphanous, adjectivedishevelled, adjectivedowdy, adjectivedown-at-heel, adjectivedress, noundress, verbdressed, adjectivedressmaker, noundress sense, noundressy, adjectiveepaulette, nounfacing, nounfancy dress, nounfinery, nounfleecy, adjectivefop, noungarb, noungather, verbgingham, noungold-rimmed, adjectivegranny, adjectivegroom, verbhabit, nounhandbag, nounherringbone, nounknit, verbknitwear, nounline, verblined, adjectiveliner, nounlingerie, nounlining, nounlivery, nounlocker room, nounmade-to-measure, adjectivemade-to-order, adjectivemakeover, nounmodel, nounmodel, verbmodelling, nounmohair, nounname tag, nounnatty, adjectiveneckline, nounout, adverbpack, nounparasol, nounpinstripe, nounplaid, nounpleat, nounpleated, adjectiveplume, nounplumed, adjectiveplunging neckline, nounpocket, nounpocketbook, nounpocket handkerchief, nounpolka dot, nounpompom, nounpopper, nounpouch, nounpower dressing, nounpress, verbproof, verbpurse, nounraffish, adjectiveragged, adjectiverail, nounretro, adjectivesalon, nounsensible, adjectivesequin, nounset, verbshoeshine, nounshoulder bag, nounshoulder pad, nounshoulder strap, nounsingle-breasted, adjectivesize, nounsleeve, nounsleeveless, adjectivesling, nounsmocking, nounsoigné, adjectivespangle, nounsportswear, nounstarch, verbstitch, nounstud, nounstudded, adjectivetack, verbtail, nountailor, nountailored, adjectivetailoring, nountapered, adjectivetartan, nountatters, nounthread, nounthread, verbtie-dye, verbtie-pin, nountoe, nountoecap, nountoggle, nountongue, nountoupée, nountrainer, nountrimmings, nountrouser press, nounturn-up, nountweedy, adjectiveunbecoming, adjectiveundress, noununmentionables, nounvalet, nounwallet, nounwear, verbwearer, nounweatherproof, adjectivewell-dressed, adjectivewell-groomed, adjectivewristband, nounzip, nounzipper, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY a bow and arrowCOLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES She pulled the ribbon tightly and tied a bow.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
a bow and arrow (=look down)· He bowed his head and tried not not to look at her.
(also give in to pressure) (=do what people want you to do)· He eventually gave in to pressure and resigned.
(=look down, or feel like you should look down, because you feel so ashamed) I bow my head in shame when I think of how I treated her.
I bow my head in shame when I think of how I treated her. She pulled the ribbon tightly and tied a bow.· Love does not involve giving fancy parcels tied up with big red bows.· Mulcahey slipped the red ribbon around the collar and tied a big bow.· Her shiny, dark hair was done up in a pony tail with a big red bow.· I hated her because she wore long red banana curls and a big bow in her hair.· There was a ribbon in her hair and a big bow tied on the side of her head.
· The referee patrols the bandaged ropes, dapper in his black bow tie.· They are wearing their school uniforms, black jumpers with white blouses and neat black bows at the neck.· His hair was white and powdered and long enough to be tied in a small black silk bow.· By one armpit was a floppy black bow.· Her hair was in a single pigtail tied with black bow, like one of Nelson's sailors.
· She wears a gigantic wig decorated with feathers and red bows, the shape of which echoes that of the wide skirt.· Miss Sadie had given him a very large package tied with a red bow.· Love does not involve giving fancy parcels tied up with big red bows.· Her shiny, dark hair was done up in a pony tail with a big red bow.
· Make a small bow for the green cake as before and leave to dry.· The key has two protruding teeth and the shank is of rectangular section, thickening towards the small circular bow.· His hair was white and powdered and long enough to be tied in a small black silk bow.· He stood in the ballroom entrance and acknowledged the applause with a small bow.
NOUN· It is in walnut polished wood, bow fronted with bow legs.· A man or woman with bow legs is looked upon as an ugly person.· Nigel of the clammy hands and Peter of the bow legs and disappearing chin?
· I t was a collar and bow tie and the front of a shirt.· She sat silently in her blue suit and little bow tie.· The referee patrols the bandaged ropes, dapper in his black bow tie.· The players wore short-sleeve white shirts, long white pants and dark bow ties, with baseball caps and white sneakers.· Beer is dispensed by a man with a bow tie.· It was the bow ties that made Raymo happy.· He was painted by Modigliani and Picarbia in a white shirt and tiny bow tie.· That night, another of my presents was a bow tie.
· Mrs Healy saw him running as she looked from her bow window and knew that something must be amiss.
VERB· They are armed with bows and hand weapons.· On the third morning, the White House People returned again, armed with bows and arrows.· Any Mobs of wolf riders may be armed with short bows at an additional cost of +1 points per model.· They were armed with bows and arrows, were all male and had shaved heads.· The soldiers were armed with bows, swords, armour and long spears.· Moorish infantry and cavalry, armed with bows, swords and spears, and carrying small round shields.
· For self-defence therefore the sworn foresters were allowed to carry bows and arrows in the forest.· Most of them were carrying bows, but even those who had arrows nocked were not aiming at anything in particular.· He also carries a magic bow, as described below.· In addition, Nicholas carried a short bow at his shoulder, with a quiver.
· She felt he was drawing his bow across her heartstrings.· In another version she draws her silver bow and shoots him through the head as he swims towards her.· It reminded him of that moment years before when she had drawn and aimed the bow.
· She shoots well with the bow.· A cannon shot across the bow.
· They haven't used their bows or their guns for four days.· He never used much of the bow.· Can you fight with a sword, or use a bow?· Finally the research vessel began to sidle sideways towards us, using its bow thrusters to close the gap with Hsu Fu.· Brown Men only eat nuts, berries and apples, and use their bows and arrows to chase hunters away from innocent game.· Pau brasil, the tree the country was named after, is used for violin bows.· It may well have been used to make bows for local archers who went off to fight in the battle of Agincourt.
· In correct rural circles, having your lawn turfed is regarded in the same light as wearing made-up bow ties.· I was still wearing the bow tie Jasper had tied.· Heroes, by contrast, may not wear bow ties or neckties, both of which are symbols of the decadent West.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► a shot across the bows/a warning shot (across the bows)► have more than one string to your bow
1- Kids always get to shoot air guns, draw bows and fire arrows, and catch fish for free.
a weapon used for shooting arrows, made of a long thin piece of wood held in a curve by a tight string: a bow and arrow2a knot of cloth or string, with a curved part on either side and two loose ends, worn in the hair as decoration or for tying shoelaces: Ella wore a bow in her hair.in a bow long chestnut hair tied back in a bow3a long thin piece of wood with a tight string fastened along it, used to play musical instruments such as the violin or cello → have more than one string to your bow at string1(8)bow1 verbbow2 nounbow3 nounbow4 verb
bowbow4 /bəʊ/ verb VERB TABLE
bow
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | bow |
| he, she, it | bows | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | bowed |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have bowed |
| he, she, it | has bowed | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had bowed |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will bow |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have bowed |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am bowing |
| he, she, it | is bowing | |
| you, we, they | are bowing | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was bowing |
| you, we, they | were bowing | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been bowing |
| he, she, it | has been bowing | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been bowing |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be bowing |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been bowing |
EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
- He took his had off and bowed slightly.
- When he made his rounds on a light-gray donkey, people bowed their heads and dared not look at his face.
WORD SETS
a cappella, adjectiveaccelerando, adjectiveaccompaniment, nounaccompanist, nounaccompany, verbaccordion, nounacid house, nounacoustic, adjectiveadagio, nounallegro, nounandante, adjectiveandante, nounanthem, nounaria, nounarpeggio, nounarr., arrange, verbarrangement, nounatonal, adjectiveback, verbbacking, nounbagpipes, nounbalalaika, nounballad, nounband, nounbandmaster, nounbandsman, nounbandstand, nounbanjo, nounbar, nounbarbershop, nounbaritone, nounbarrel organ, nounbass, nounbass, adjectivebass clef, nounbass guitar, nounbassist, nounbassoon, nounbaton, nounbeat, verbbeat, nounbebop, nounblast, verbblow, verbbluegrass, nounbolero, nounbongos, nounboogie, nounbootleg, nounbow, nounbow, verbbrass band, nounbreve, nounbridge, nounbugle, nounbusk, verbC, nouncabaret, nouncadence, nouncadenza, nouncalypso, nounC & W, canon, nouncantata, nouncanticle, nouncantor, nouncarillon, nouncarol, nouncarol, verbcastanets, nouncatchy, adjectivecellist, nouncello, nounchamber music, nounchamber orchestra, nounchant, verbchant, nounchoir, nounchoirboy, nounchoral, adjectivechorale, nounchord, nounchorister, nounchorus, nounChristmas carol, nounchromatic, adjectiveclapper, nounclarinet, nounclavichord, nounclef, nouncoda, nouncoloratura, nouncombo, nouncompose, verbcomposer, nounconcert, nounconcertgoer, nounconcertina, nounconcertmaster, nounconcerto, nounconduct, verbconductor, nounconsonant, adjectiveconsort, nouncontinuo, nouncontrabass, nouncontralto, nouncor anglais, nouncornet, nouncounterpoint, nouncountertenor, nouncountry and western, nouncountry music, nouncover, verbcover, nouncrescendo, nouncroon, verbcrotchet, nouncut, verbcymbal, nounD, noundamper, noundance, noundance band, noundemo, noundescant, noundidgeridoo, noundiminuendo, noundirge, noundisc jockey, noundiscord, noundiscordant, adjectivedissonance, nounditty, nounDixieland, noundo, noundoh, noundominant, noundouble bass, noundownbeat, noundrum, noundrum, verbdrumbeat, noundrum kit, noundrum major, noundrummer, noundrumming, noundrum-roll, noundrumstick, noundub, nounduet, noundulcimer, nounduo, nounear, nouneasy listening, nouneighth note, nounelevator music, nounencore, interjectionensemble, nounexpression, nounf., fa, nounfalsetto, nounfanfare, nounfantasia, nounfiddle, nounfiddler, nounfife, nounfinale, nounfingering, nounflat, adjectiveflat, nounflat, adverbflautist, nounfloor show, nounflourish, nounflute, nounfolk, nounfolk, adjectivefolk music, nounforte, nounforte, adjectivefortissimo, adjectiveforty-five, nounFrench horn, nounfret, nounfugue, nounfunk, nounfunky, adjectiveg, gamelan, noungig, noungig, verbglee club, nounglide, nounglockenspiel, noungong, noungospel, noungrand, noungrand opera, noungrand piano, nounGregorian chant, noungroup, nounguitar, nounhalf note, nounhalf step, nounhammer, nounhard rock, nounharmonic, adjectiveharmonica, nounharmonium, nounharmonize, verbharmony, nounharp, nounharpsichord, nounheavy metal, nounhigh, adjectivehigh-pitched, adjectivehip hop, nounhorn, nounhot, adjectivehouse music, nounhurdy-gurdy, nounhymn, nounimpressionism, nounimpressionist, nounimprovise, verbincidental music, nouninstrument, nouninstrumental, adjectiveinstrumental, nouninstrumentalist, nouninstrumentation, nouninterlude, nouninterval, nounjam, verbjam session, nounjazz, nounjazzy, adjectivejig, nounjingle, nounjungle, nounkaraoke, nounkazoo, nounkettledrum, nounkey, nounkeyboard, nounkey signature, nounla, nounlament, nounlargo, adjectiveleader, nounledger line, nounlegato, adjectiveleitmotif, nounlento, adjectivelibrettist, nounlibretto, nounlilt, nounlullaby, nounlute, nounlyre, nounlyric, adjectivelyrical, adjectivelyricism, nounlyricist, nounmadrigal, nounmaestro, nounmajor, adjectivemale-voice choir, nounmandolin, nounmaracas, nounmarch, nounmarching band, nounmariachi, nounmarimba, nounmasterclass, nounmedley, nounmellifluous, adjectivemelodic, adjectivemelodious, adjectivemelody, nounmetronome, nounmezzo-soprano, nounmi, nounmiddle C, nounminim, nounminor, adjectiveminstrel, nounminuet, nounmodal, adjectivemode, nounmoderato, adjectivemodulate, verbmolto, adverbmood music, nounmotif, nounmouth organ, nounmouthpiece, nounmovement, nounmusic, nounmusical, adjectivemusical, nounmusical instrument, nounmusically, adverbmusician, nounmusicianship, nounmusicology, nounmusic stand, nounmute, verbmute, nounMuzak, nounnational anthem, nounnatural, adjectivenatural, nounNegro spiritual, nounnocturne, nounnote, nounnumber, nounnumber one, nounnursery rhyme, nounoboe, nounoctave, nounoctet, nounoff-key, adjectiveone-man band, nounopera, nounopera house, nounoperetta, nounopus, nounoratorio, nounorchestra, nounorchestral, adjectiveorchestra pit, nounorchestrate, verborgan, nounorgan grinder, nounorganist, nounovertone, nounoverture, nounp., panpipes, nounpart, nounpart-song, nounpause, nounpeal, verbpedal, nounpeg, nounpenny whistle, nounpercussion, nounperfect pitch, nounPhilharmonic, adjectivephrase, nounphrase, verbphrasing, nounpianissimo, adjectivepianist, nounpiano, nounpiano, adjectivepianola, nounpiccolo, nounpick, verbpick, nounpipe, verbpiped music, nounpiper, nounpitch, nounpitch, verbpizzicato, nounplainchant, nounplainsong, nounplay, verbplayer, nounplayer piano, nounplectrum, nounpluck, verbpolyphony, nounpop, nounpop group, nounpop music, nounpop star, nounprelude, nounpresto, adjectivepresto, nounprima donna, nounproduction number, nounpromenade concert, nounpsaltery, nounpunk, nounquarter note, nounquartet, nounquaver, nounquintet, nounR & B, nounrag, nounraga, nounragga, nounragtime, nounrange, nounrap, nounrap, verbrapper, nounrecital, nounrecitative, nounrecord, nounrecorder, nounreed, nounrefrain, nounreggae, nounregister, nounremaster, verbrendering, nounrendition, nounrepeat, nounrequest, nounrequiem, nounresonator, nounrest, nounrhapsody, nounrhythm, nounrhythm and blues, nounrhythm section, nounriff, nounroadie, nounroad manager, nounrock, nounrock and roll, nounrock music, nounrock 'n' roll, nounrondo, nounrostrum, nounround, nounrumba, nounrun, nounsalsa, nounsamba, nounsaxophone, nounsaxophonist, nounscale, nounscat, nounscherzo, nounscore, nounscore, verbsemibreve, nounsemiquaver, nounsemitone, nounseptet, nounserenade, nounserenade, verbset, nounsetting, nounsextet, nounshanty, nounsharp, adverbsharp, nounsheet music, nounsight-read, verbsignature tune, nounsing, verbsinger, nounsinger-songwriter, nounsingle, nounsitar, nounsixteenth note, nounska, nounskiffle, nounslide, nounslur, verbslur, nounsnare drum, nounso, nounsol, nounsol-fa, nounsolo, adjectivesolo, nounsoloist, nounsonata, nounsong, nounsongbook, nounsongster, nounsongwriter, nounsoprano, nounsoprano, adjectivesoul, nounsoundtrack, nounspiritual, nounsqueezebox, nounstaccato, adverbstaff, nounstandard, nounStar-Spangled Banner, the, stave, nounsteel band, nounsteel guitar, nounstep, nounstring, verbstringed instrument, nounstrum, verbstudy, nounsuite, nounswell, nounswing, nounsymphony, nounsyncopated, adjectivesyncopation, nounsynthesis, nounsynthesize, verbsynthesizer, nountabla, nountabor, nountambourine, nountechno, nountempo, nountenor, nountenor, adjectiveTex-Mex, adjectivetheme, nounthrash, nounthrenody, nounthrob, verbti, nountimbrel, nountime, nountime signature, nountimpani, nountoccata, nountom-tom, nountonal, adjectivetonality, nountone, nountone-deaf, adjectivetone poem, nountonic, nountootle, verbtrack, nountranscribe, verbtranspose, verbtreble, nountreble, adjectivetreble clef, nountremolo, nountriangle, nountrill, nountrombone, nountrumpet, nountuba, nountune, nountune, verbtuneful, adjectivetuneless, adjectivetuning fork, nountuning peg, nounukulele, noununaccompanied, adjectiveupright piano, nounvalve, nounvariation, nounverse, nounvibes, nounvibraphone, nounvibrato, nounviola, nounviolin, nounviolinist, nounvirginals, nounvirtuoso, nounvivace, adjectivevocal, adjectivevocal, nounvocalist, nounvoice, nounvoluntary, nounwaltz, nounwarble, verbwarbler, nounwhole note, nounwind instrument, nounwoodwind, nounxylophone, nounyodel, verbyodel, nounzither, nounzydeco, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES She pulled the ribbon tightly and tied a bow.
(=look down)· He bowed his head and tried not not to look at her.
(also give in to pressure) (=do what people want you to do)· He eventually gave in to pressure and resigned.
(=look down, or feel like you should look down, because you feel so ashamed) I bow my head in shame when I think of how I treated her.
I bow my head in shame when I think of how I treated her. She pulled the ribbon tightly and tied a bow.PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► a shot across the bows/a warning shot (across the bows)► have more than one string to your bow
[intransitive, transitive] to play a piece of music on a musical instrument with a bow3- Kids always get to shoot air guns, draw bows and fire arrows, and catch fish for free.