easy
The dancer took a bow.
What does Bow mean?
Bow can mean to bend, a tied ribbon, or an arrow weapon.
Dictionary definition
To bend forward as a greeting or sign of respect; also a tied ribbon or a weapon for shooting arrows.
Example sentences
Bow in a sentence
medium
She tied a bow on the gift.
hard
The word bow changes pronunciation depending on its meaning in the sentence.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice bow in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
⬡ Earn 5 Honey
Practice the meaning of Bow
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does bow mean?
Bow means to bend, a tied ribbon, or an arrow weapon.
Practice 2
Which word or phrase is closest in meaning to bow?
Bend is closest because it connects to this meaning: Bow can mean to bend, a tied ribbon, or an arrow weapon.
Practice 3
Which word or phrase is a useful contrast to bow?
Stand straight is a useful contrast because bow means: Bow can mean to bend, a tied ribbon, or an arrow weapon.
Practice complete
Nice work!
You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
⬡ Earn 5 Honey
Bow
Voice settings
Sounds like
BOW or BOH
Listen, then repeat the word.
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
BOW or BOH
Learn
WordBow.
Partverb, noun.
MeaningBow means Bow can mean to bend, a tied ribbon, or an arrow weapon.
ExampleExample: The dancer took a bow.
Your turn
Say Bow
Record a short attempt, then compare it with the Coach. Your recording stays on this device and is not uploaded.
Coach
My attempt
Ready when you are.
Nice work—you practiced bow.
Synonyms
Words like Bow
bendLean or curve forward.
ribbon knotA decorative tied loop.
Antonyms
Opposite words
stand straightNot bend forward.
unknotUntie or loosen a knot.
Synonym practice
Want to practice bow synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The bow on the gift was blue," then compare close word choices. Practice bow synonyms.
Word family
Bow word family
Base word
bow
noun
bows
More than one bow.
verb
bowed
Bent forward in the past.
verb
bowing
Bending forward.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Bow
Hint for students
Bow can mean to bend, a tied ribbon, or an arrow weapon.
Common mix-up
Bow does not always mean bend. In some sentences, it means tied ribbon or arrow weapon.
Try it in class or at home
Write two short sentences that use bow in different ways. Underline the clue words that show which meaning is being used. Example: She tied a bow on the gift. Clue words: tied, gift. Ask: Which meaning of bow does my sentence show?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to compare meanings of bow in this model sentence: "She tied a bow on the gift." Which meaning fits, and what context clues prove it?
Learning activities
Practice Bow and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice BOW” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice BOW
Sentence Builder
Write your own sentence with this word and revise with checklist feedback.
Write a sentence with BOW
Explore · Spelling
Spell Hive
Hear the word, type the spelling, and use spoken clues when needed.
Practice spelling
Explore · Definitions
Define the Word Hive
Choose the meaning that fits and get instant feedback.
Practice definitions
Explore · Matching
Vocabulary Match
Pair words with meanings and review misses with dictionary links.
Match meanings
Explore · Context
Context Clue Challenge
Use sentence clues to choose the word that fits the meaning.
Use context clues
Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
Rebuild words from mixed-up letters for spelling practice.
Rebuild words