bow

Noun

• a stroke with a curved piece of wood with taut horsehair strands that is used in playing stringed instruments

• a decorative interlacing of ribbons

• an appearance by actors or performers at the end of the concert or play in order to acknowledge the applause of the audience

• bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame or greeting

• something curved in shape

• a weapon for shooting arrows, composed of a curved piece of resilient wood with a taut cord to propel the arrow

• front part of a vessel or aircraft
  • he pointed the bow of the boat toward the finish line
    

• a slightly curved piece of resilient wood with taut horsehair strands; used in playing certain stringed instruments

• a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces

Verb

• play on a string instrument with a bow

• bend one's back forward from the waist on down
  • he crouched down
    
  • She bowed before the Queen
    
  • The young man stooped to pick up the girl's purse
    

• bend the head or the upper part of the body in a gesture of respect or greeting
  • He bowed before the King
    

• yield to another's wish or opinion
  • The government bowed to the military pressure
    

• bend one's knee or body, or lower one's head
  • He bowed before the King
    
  • She bowed her head in shame
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  curtain call , bowing , obeisance , arc , fore , prow , stem , bowknot , crouch , stoop , bend , submit , defer , accede , give in , bow down