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bowed

1 of 2

adjective (1)

Synonyms of bowednext
1
: bent downward and forward
listened with bowed heads
2
: having the back and head inclined

bowed

2 of 2

adjective (2)

: furnished with or shaped like a bow

Examples of bowed in a Sentence

Adjective (1) the bowed branches of the weeping willow offered some protection from the rain with bowed heads the mourners recited a prayer for the repose of her soul
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The building with its bowed windows and a Queen Ann tower had already been around for nine years before its owner placed a classified ad in a July 1897 issue of The Kansas City Times. Kansas City Star, 19 Nov. 2025 No racist stereotypes, no demeaning facial expressions, no bowed heads, and no broken bodies from the old Hollywood. David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025 The composer also added synths to his orchestral score, as well as bowed metal, where a violin bow is rubbed against metal instruments like a cowbell or a Vibraphone, for when Roz has a particularly intense feeling. Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Jan. 2025 Jeremy Strong forwent a classic suit and tie in favor of a bowed necktie, giving his tailored look the perfect dash of whimsy. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 17 June 2024 In what had been the kitchen, a bowed fridge, a warped sink top and a charred oven huddled together. Anumita Kaur, Anchorage Daily News, 16 Sep. 2023 The spaces among bowed strings, brasses and percussion are wider. Seth Colter Walls, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

past participle of bow entry 1

Adjective (2)

partly from bow entry 3 + -ed; partly from past participle of bow entry 4

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bowed was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bowed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bowed. Accessed 6 Dec. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on bowed

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