bowline

noun

bow·​line ˈbō-lən 

-ˌlīn

1

: a rope used to keep the weather edge of a square sail taut forward

2

: a knot used to form a loop that neither slips nor jams see knot illustration

Examples of bowline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sailors are familiar with the clove hitch, bowline and cleat hitch. — Charles Choi, Discover Magazine, 11 Apr. 2017

Word History

Etymology

Middle English boweline, probably from bowe bow + line

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bowline

• methacholine

Kids Definition

bowline

noun

bow·​line ˈbō-lən 

-ˌlīn

1

: a rope used to keep the edge of a sail pulled forward

2

: a knot used for making a loop that will not slip or get stuck