bowleg

noun

bow·​leg ˈbō-ˌleg How to pronounce bowleg (audio)
-ˌlāg,
ˈbō-ˈleg,
-ˈlāg
: a leg bowed outward at or below the knee
bowlegged
ˈbō-ˌle-gəd How to pronounce bowleg (audio)
-ˌlā-;
-ˌlegd
-ˌlāgd
adjective

Examples of bowleg in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web If left untreated, as was the case with Valerie, bowlegs can lead to deformities such as differences in leg lengths, difficulty walking and running and high risk of arthritis. Fox News, 3 Dec. 2019 Braces, vitamin D or calcium supplements, or even surgery are explored as possible treatments for bowlegs. Fox News, 3 Dec. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bowleg.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bowleg was circa 1864

Dictionary Entries Near bowleg

Cite this Entry

“Bowleg.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bowleg. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

bowleg

noun
: a leg bowed outward at or below the knee

called also genu varum

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