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
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This includes, but is not limited to baseball bats, hockey sticks, spears, spear guns, crossbows, and fishing gear. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026 In recent years, several New England states have changed laws to allow crossbows for deer hunting. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 16 Jan. 2026 The use of crossbow equipment is now allowed using the archery license. Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 18 Dec. 2025 For the first time in a decade, hunters armed with rifles and crossbows are fanning out across Florida's swamps and flatwoods to legally hunt the Florida black bear, over the vocal opposition of critics. CBS News, 6 Dec. 2025 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 14 Feb. 2026.

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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