crossbow

noun

cross·​bow ˈkrȯs-ˌbō 

: a weapon for shooting quarrels and stones that consists chiefly of a short bow mounted crosswise near the end of a stock

Illustration of crossbow

Examples of crossbow in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In June 2024, a crossbow-wielding assailant wounded a Serbian police officer guarding the Israeli Embassy in Belgrade before the officer returned fire, killing the attacker. — James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026

In June 2024, an attacker with a crossbow wounded a Serbian police officer guarding the Israeli Embassy in Belgrade. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026

Fortunately, the wind was perfect, and the crossbow hunter walked to his stand that following afternoon. — Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 28 Oct. 2026

More than 30 guns, including numerous pistols, rifles and shotguns, a crossbow, tactical gear, ammunition and electronics, were found by authorities while executing three search warrants at residences associated with the attackers. — Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for crossbow

• acknow
• aglow
• ago
• airglow
• aloe
• altho
• although
• ammo
• backflow
• backhoe
• banjo
• barbeau

Kids Definition

crossbow

noun

cross·​bow -ˌbō 

: a short bow mounted crosswise near the end of a wooden stock that shoots short arrows