bow bow /ˈboʊ/

noun

1. () A knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces  ( bowknot , bow )
   a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces
     She tied a beautiful bow around the gift box.
   She tied a beautiful bow around the gift box.
   
   
2. () A slightly curved piece of resilient wood with taut horsehair strands; used in playing certain stringed instruments  ( bow )
   a slightly curved piece of resilient wood with taut horsehair strands; used in playing certain stringed instruments
   
3. () A weapon for shooting arrows, composed of a curved piece of resilient wood with a taut cord to propel the arrow  ( bow )
   a weapon for shooting arrows, composed of a curved piece of resilient wood with a taut cord to propel the arrow
    He carefully strung his bow, checking the tension on the string before taking his shot
   He carefully strung his bow, checking the tension on the string before taking his shot
   
   
4. () Front part of a vessel or aircraft  ( fore , prow , stem , bow )
   front part of a vessel or aircraft
    He pointed the bow of the boat toward the finish line
   he pointed the bow of the boat toward the finish line
   
   
5. A stroke with a curved piece of wood with taut horsehair strands that is used in playing stringed instruments  ( bow )
   a stroke with a curved piece of wood with taut horsehair strands that is used in playing stringed instruments
   
6. A decorative interlacing of ribbons  ( bow )
   a decorative interlacing of ribbons
   
7. An appearance by actors or performers at the end of the concert or play in order to acknowledge the applause of the audience  ( bow , curtain call )
   an appearance by actors or performers at the end of the concert or play in order to acknowledge the applause of the audience
   
8. Bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame or greeting  ( bow , bowing , obeisance )
   bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame or greeting
   
9. Something curved in shape  ( arc , bow )
   something curved in shape
   
   

verb

1. () Bend one's knee or body, or lower one's head  ( bow down , bow )
   bend one's knee or body, or lower one's head
    He bowed before the King
   He bowed before the King
    She bowed her head in shame
   She bowed her head in shame
   
2. () Yield to another's wish or opinion  ( accede , defer , submit , bow , give in )
   yield to another's wish or opinion
    The government bowed to the military pressure
   The government bowed to the military pressure
   
3. () Bend the head or the upper part of the body in a gesture of respect or greeting  ( bow )
   bend the head or the upper part of the body in a gesture of respect or greeting
    He bowed before the King
   He bowed before the King
   
4. Play on a stringed instrument with a bow  ( bow )
   play on a stringed instrument with a bow
   
5. Bend one's back forward from the waist on down  ( bow , bend , stoop , crouch )
   bend one's back forward from the waist on down
    He crouched down
   he crouched down
    She bowed before the Queen
   She bowed before the Queen
    The young man stooped to pick up the girl's purse
   The young man stooped to pick up the girl's purse