bow

(noun) a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces. Synonyms: bowknot.

(noun) a slightly curved piece of resilient wood with taut horsehair strands; used in playing certain stringed instruments.

(noun) front part of a vessel or aircraft. Synonyms: fore, prow, stem. Examples: "He pointed the bow of the boat toward the finish line."

(noun) a weapon for shooting arrows, composed of a curved piece of resilient wood with a taut cord to propel the arrow.

(noun) something curved in shape. Synonyms: arc.

(noun) bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame or greeting. Synonyms: bowing, obeisance.

(noun) an appearance by actors or performers at the end of the concert or play in order to acknowledge the applause of the audience. Synonyms: curtain call.

(noun) a decorative interlacing of ribbons.

(noun) a stroke with a curved piece of wood with taut horsehair strands that is used in playing stringed instruments.

(verb) bend one's knee or body, or lower one's head. Synonyms: bow down. Examples: "He bowed before the king." "She bowed her head in shame."

(verb) yield to another's wish or opinion. Synonyms: submit, defer, accede, give in. Examples: "The government bowed to the military pressure."

(verb) bend the head or the upper part of the body in a gesture of respect or greeting. Examples: "He bowed before the king."

(verb) bend one's back forward from the waist on down. Synonyms: crouch, stoop, bend. Examples: "He crouched down." "She bowed before the queen." "The young man stooped to pick up the girl's purse."

(verb) play on a string instrument with a bow.