bowl over

verb

bowled over; bowling over; bowls over

transitive verb

1

: to take unawares

2

: impress entry 1 sense 1

Synonyms of bowl over

• surprise
• amaze
• stun
• shock
• startle
• take aback
• take by surprise
• astonish

Examples of bowl over in a Sentence

she was bowled over to learn that she had a long-lost sister

Recent Examples on the Web

Yet, as with Lebanon, Middle East watchers were bowled over to discover that the MOU codified Iran’s claim to a say in administering passage through the strait. — Ron Kampeas, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2026

In a bowl over simmering water (aka double boiler), melt butter, chocolate chips, and unsweetened chocolate. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 July 2026

The mixture is cooked in a double boiler (or in a stainless-steel bowl over a pot of simmering water) until thick, creating a custard-like consistency. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 15 July 2026

Place a medium heatproof bowl over the saucepan, making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. — Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 10 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bowl over

• carryover
• changeover
• crossover
• cutover
• flashover
• hangover
• holdover
• layover
• leftover
• makeover
• moreover
• passover

Kids Definition

bowl over

verb

1

: to hit and knock down while quickly moving past

2

: to greatly surprise or impress