oxbow

noun

ox·​bow ˈäks-ˌbō 

1

: a U-shaped frame forming a collar about an ox's neck and holding the yoke in place

2

: something (such as a bend in a river) resembling an oxbow

oxbow adjective

Illustration of oxbow

• oxbow 1

Examples of oxbow in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Big Lake State Park Big Lake State Park is about an hour and a half from Kansas City at the largest remaining oxbow lake in the state. — Zuri Primos july 26, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026

The owners have a few rental cabins, too, for people who want to fish in Lake Washington, an oxbow of the Mississippi River. — Boyce Upholt, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026

The refuge's creeks, sloughs, and oxbow lakes create a wetland forest environment suitable for a diverse range of wildlife species, including rattlesnakes, and are optimal for wildlife viewing. — Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 11 Mar. 2026

The park’s riverine forests, oxbow lagoons, open floodplains and miombo woodlands are prime hunting grounds, not just for leopards, but for lions, wild dogs and hyenas too. — Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 22 Feb. 2026

In time, Huhn learned that the buck was bedding in nearly impenetrable cover along the oxbows of White Breast Creek. — Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 5 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for oxbow

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

Kids Definition

oxbow

noun

ox·​bow -ˌbō 

1

: a U-shaped collar worn by a draft ox

2

: something (as a bend in a river) resembling an oxbow

oxbow adjective