bowl over

verb

bowled over; bowling over; bowls over
Synonyms of bowl overnext

transitive verb

1
: to take unawares
2

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
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.
When ready to serve, unwrap the top of the cake and place a cake plate over the top of the bowl Turn the bowl over to release the cake and gently pull back the plastic wrap and discard it. Mary Ann Esposito, Boston Herald, 18 Mar. 2026 Place a heat-safe bowl over a pot filled with water to reach ½-inch below the bowl. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2026 Before you get bowled over by a new enthusiasm, do some checking. Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 1 Mar. 2026 Gerwig was bowled over by how Pascal took a chance on her. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bowl over

Word History

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bowl over was in 1861

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bowl over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bowl%20over. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

bowl over

verb
1
: to hit and knock down while quickly moving past
2
: to greatly surprise or impress
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