cowl

noun

\ ˈkau̇(-ə)l

Definition of cowl

(Entry 1 of 3)

1a : a hood or long hooded cloak especially of a monk

b : a draped neckline on a woman's garment

2a : a chimney covering designed to improve the draft

b : the top portion of the front part of an automobile body forward of the two front doors to which are attached the windshield and instrument board

c : cowling

cowl

verb

cowled; cowling; cowls

Definition of cowl (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

: to cover with or as if with a cowl

Cowl

biographical name

\ ˈkau̇(-ə)l

Definition of Cowl (Entry 3 of 3)

Jane 1883–1950 originally Grace Bailey American actress

Examples of cowl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Naturally the younger Hadid marched to her own beat in a tangerine version that was cut with a fashion-forward cowl-neck and asymmetric hem. — Madeline Fass, Vogue, "Bella Hadid Brings Back This Cozy Street Style Favorite for Fall," 9 Oct. 2018 The handles are flush with the doors when the car is in motion, and even the windshield wiper lives out of the airflow underneath the front cowl. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, "The 2019 Hyundai Nexo is an upmarket hydrogen fuel-cell SUV," 26 Oct. 2018 Those dark-cowl stories have often been celebrated as a welcome evolutionary super-leap forward. — Noah Berlatsky, The Verge, "The best superhero stories admit that superheroes are ridiculous," 11 July 2018 Her dress' cowl neckline was somewhat reminiscent of Meghan's collarbone-bearing Givenchy wedding gown. — USA TODAY, "Angelina Jolie channels Duchess Meghan with gray ensemble and fascinator at royal event," 28 June 2018 The interior also features new colors, and a lower cowl makes for an airier cabin, as does the thinner instrument panel. — Joe Lorio, Car and Driver, "2019 Nissan Altima: New Engines and All-Wheel Drive," 29 Mar. 2018 Taking a cue perhaps from the elegance of Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, Jolie added a pair of ivory gloves to match her cowl-neck Ralph & Russo dress. — Calin Van Paris, Vogue, "Angelina Jolie Brings Hollywood-Royalty Hair to St. Paul’s Cathedral in London," 28 June 2018 The actress and director, 43, picked a custom Ralph & Russo pale gray dress with a cowl neck and matching gloves, spicing up the outfit with a gold brooch and silver purse. — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE.com, "Angelina Jolie Takes a Cue from Meghan Markle in Fascinator, Off-the-Shoulder Dress for Royal Event," 28 June 2018 Angelina stunned in a pale gray, custom Ralph & Russo dress with a cowl neck and matching gloves. — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Angelina Jolie Just Channeled Meghan Markle's Royal Style," 28 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The most effective example of contemporary sensibilities is a tight shot of three American mechanics examining a B-17 engine cowling on a typical English airfield. — Chuck Thompson, Popular Mechanics, "'Cold Blue' Shows the B-17 Bomber Like You've Never Seen It Before," 16 May 2019 Fortunately, down on the stage as fans cheered and reached out, the performers kept their cool – even while retelling one of the most emotional stories of all time, complete with glitter, gold and giant cowled coats. — Randee Dawn, latimes.com, "The performers of Easter's 'Jesus Christ Superstar' had their own hallelujah moments," 14 June 2018 There is the amazing gold bead dress worn by Tina Turner, the purple cowled dress worn by Grace Jones, and Elle MacPherson’s wedding dress. — Luke Leitch, Vogue, "Take a First Look at London’s Azzedine Alaïa Exhibition, “The Couturier”," 9 May 2018 In 2016, an American Airlines flight from Phoenix to San Francisco turned back after part of the engine cowling fell off. — Maggie Astor, New York Times, "Engine Cover Blows Off on United Airlines Flight," 13 Feb. 2018 Cowling made a 3-pointer for a 57-52 lead with 6:54 left to play. — Elliott Almond, The Mercury News, "No. 10 Stanford holds off Cal to stay in first place," 16 Feb. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cowl.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.