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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The only way Jesse was getting that crossbow bolt out of her leg was pulling it straight through. Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025 The court heard that Hannah was still alive with a crossbow bolt in her chest when police arrived at the property, multiple outlets including the Associated Press, BBC News and The Guardian reported at the time. Becca Longmire, People.com, 22 Jan. 2025 Seymour and her colleagues also found other artifacts at the site, including crossbow bolts, lead bullets, swords, daggers, chain mail and plate armor. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Dec. 2024 Clifford is accused of murdering Carol Hunt and her daughters Louise and Hannah in a crossbow attack at their home in Hertfordshire on July 9. Denise Petski, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2024 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 19 Jun. 2025.

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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