bowed

1 of 2

adjective (1)

ˈbau̇d How to pronounce bowed (audio)
Synonyms of bowednext
1
: bent downward and forward
listened with bowed heads
2
: having the back and head inclined

bowed

2 of 2

adjective (2)

ˈbōd How to pronounce bowed (audio)
: furnished with or shaped like a bow

Synonyms of bowed

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Adjective (1)

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Examples of bowed in a Sentence

Adjective (1) the bowed branches of the weeping willow offered some protection from the rain with bowed heads the mourners recited a prayer for the repose of her soul

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

past participle of bow entry 1

Adjective (2)

partly from bow entry 3 + -ed; partly from past participle of bow entry 4

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bowed was in the 14th century

Rhymes for bowed

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Browse Nearby Words

bow drill
bowed
bowed cotton
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Cite this Entry

“Bowed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bowed. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bowed

Nglish: Translation of bowed for Spanish Speakers

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