bowl

\ ˈbōl

Definition of bowl

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : a concave usually nearly hemispherical vessel : a rounded container that is usually larger than a cup a soup bowl a set of mixing bowls specifically : a drinking vessel (as for wine)

2 : the contents of a bowl ate a bowl of rice

3 : a bowl-shaped or concave part: such as

a : the hollow of a spoon or tobacco pipe

b : the receptacle of a toilet cleaning toilet bowls

4a : a natural formation or geographical region shaped like a bowl

b : a bowl-shaped structure especially : an athletic stadium

5 football : a postseason game between specially invited teams college bowl games

bowl

noun (2)

Definition of bowl (Entry 2 of 3)

1a lawn bowling : a ball (as of lignum vitae) weighted or shaped to give it a bias (see bias entry 1 sense 3a) when rolled

b bowls plural in form but singular in construction : lawn bowling playing bowls

2 : a delivery of the ball in bowling

3 : a cylindrical roller or drum (as for a machine)

bowl

verb

bowled; bowling; bowls

Definition of bowl (Entry 3 of 3)

intransitive verb

1a : to participate in a game of bowling bowls every Thursday night

b : to roll a ball in bowling your turn to bowl

2 : to travel smoothly and rapidly (as in a wheeled vehicle)

transitive verb

1a : to roll (a ball) in bowling

b(1) : to complete by bowling bowl a spare

(2) : to score by bowling bowls 150

2 : to strike with a swiftly moving object being bowled over by a base runner

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Cite this Entry

“Bowl.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bowl. Accessed 13 December 2019.

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More Definitions for bowl

bowl

verb

English Language Learners Definition of bowl

: to roll (a ball) towards something especially in the game of bowling or lawn bowling

: to play the game of bowling

: to get (a score) in a game of bowling

See the full definition for bowl in the English Language Learners Dictionary

bowl

noun

\ ˈbōl

Kids Definition of bowl

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a round hollow dish without handles

2 : the contents of a bowl I ate a bowl of cereal.

3 : something in the shape of a bowl (as part of a spoon or pipe)

bowl

verb

bowled; bowling

Kids Definition of bowl (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : to play a game of bowling

2 : to move rapidly and smoothly The car bowled down the hill.

bowl over

1 : to hit and push down while moving quickly

2 : to surprise or impress very much

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easily led, controlled, or managed

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bowl

Definition of bowl

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First Known Use of bowl

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English Language Learners Definition of bowl