Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

recurve

noun
re·​curve | \ ˈrē-ˌkərv How to pronounce recurve (audio) \

Definition of recurve

: an archery bow whose tips are curved toward the back

Examples of recurve in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Most of the competitors use short, light bows with a draw weight of from 25-35 pounds that are similar to a recurve but are lacking a shelf or arrow rest. — Ralph Winingham, San Antonio Express-News, "Ancient martial art combines horseback riding, archery skills," 24 May 2018 The devices are deadly effective and have a range far surpassing that of compound or recurve bows. — Todd Masson, NOLA.com, "Parents unhappy with spread of toothpick crossbows: report," 22 June 2017

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

First Known Use of recurve

1956, in the meaning defined above

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about recurve

Statistics for recurve

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for recurve

The first known use of recurve was in 1956

See more words from the same year

More from Merriam-Webster on recurve

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with recurve

Comments on recurve

What made you want to look up recurve? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

disparage

Listen to the pronounciation of disparage

to speak slightingly about or to degrade

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

  • stylized drawing of woman pole vaulting across gap to get trophy
  • Which is a synonym of fuliginous?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games