bowing

/ˈboʊɪŋ/
/ˈbʌʊɪŋ/
IPA guide

Other forms: bowings

Definitions of bowing
  1. noun
    bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame or greeting
    synonyms: bow, obeisance
    see moresee less
    types:
    show 4 types...
    hide 4 types...
    genuflection, genuflexion
    the act of bending the knees in worship or reverence
    kotow, kowtow
    a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission
    scrape, scraping
    a deep bow with the foot drawn backwards (indicating excessive humility)
    salaam
    a deep bow; a Muslim form of salutation
    type of:
    reverence
    an act showing respect (especially a bow or curtsy)
    gesture, motion
    the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals
  2. adjective
    showing an excessively deferential manner
    synonyms: bowed
    submissive
    inclined or willing to submit to orders or wishes of others or showing such inclination
  3. noun
    managing the bow in playing a stringed instrument
    “the violinist's bowing was excellent”
    see moresee less
    types:
    spiccato, spiccato bowing
    bowing in such a way that the bow bounces lightly off the strings
    type of:
    playing
    the act of playing a musical instrument
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘bowing'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family