BOW - Meaning and Pronunciation

How to pronounce bow?

This video provides examples of American English pronunciations of bow by male and female speakers.
In addition, it explains the meaning of bow through a dictionary definition and several visual examples.

IPA Transcription of bow is /bˈaʊ/.

Definition of bow according to Wiktionary:
bow can be a noun or a verb

As a noun bow can mean:
1. Any instrument consisting of an elastic rod, with ends connected by a string, employed for giving reciprocating motion to a drill, or for preparing and arranging hair, fur, etc., used by hatters.
2. Two pieces of wood which form the arched forward part of a saddletree.
3. A gesture, usually showing respect, made by inclining the head or bending forward at the waist; a reverence.
4. The part of a key that is not inserted into the lock and that is used to turn the key.
5. The rower that sits in the seat closest to the bow of the boat.
6. A type of knot with two loops, used to tie together two cords such as shoelaces or apron strings, and frequently used as decoration, such as in gift-wrapping.
7. A weapon made of a curved piece of wood or other flexible material whose ends are connected by a string, used for shooting arrows.
8. Either of the arms of a pair of spectacles, running from the side of the lens to behind the wearer's ear.
9. The U-shaped piece which goes around the neck of an ox and fastens it to the yoke.
10. The front of a boat or ship.
11. Alternative spelling of bough.
12. Anything bent or curved, such as a rainbow.
13. A curved bend in a rod or planar surface, or in a linear formation such as a river (see oxbow).
14. A crude sort of quadrant formerly used for taking the sun's altitude at sea.
15. A rod with horsehair (or an artificial substitute) stretched between the ends, used for playing various stringed musical instruments.
16. A stringed instrument (chordophone), consisting of a stick with a single taut cord stretched between the ends, most often played by plucking.

As a verb bow can mean:
1. To play music on (a stringed) instrument using a bow.
2. To become bent or curved.
3. To defer (to something).
4. To make something bend or curve.
5. To debut.
6. To exercise powerful or controlling influence over; to bend, figuratively; to turn; to incline.
7. To premiere.
8. To bend oneself as a gesture of respect or deference.
9. To give a direction, indication, or command to by bowing.



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