crossbow

noun

cross·​bow ˈkrȯs-ˌbō How to pronounce crossbow (audio)
: 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

Illustration of crossbow

Examples of crossbow in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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During that period, sales taxes would be lifted on select outdoor gear, including tents priced under $200 and fishing rods priced at $75 or less, along with firearms, ammunition, bows and crossbows. Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026 During that period, sales taxes would be lifted on select camping and fishing gear, including tents priced under $200 and fishing rods priced at $75 or less, along with firearms, ammunition, bows and crossbows. Jim Turner, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026 One even convinced a guy to try to kill Queen Elizabeth with a crossbow a few years ago. Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026 An investigation soon determined Sedhom fired an arrow from a crossbow that narrowly missed fatally wounding his sister. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for crossbow

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crossbow was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Crossbow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crossbow. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

crossbow

noun
cross·​bow -ˌbō How to pronounce crossbow (audio)
: a short bow mounted crosswise near the end of a wooden stock that shoots short arrows

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