bowstring

[ boh-string ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the string of an archer's bow.
a string, typically of horsehair, for the bow of an instrument of the violin and viol families.
(especially in the Ottoman Empire) a similar string for killing people by strangulation.

verb (used with object)

bowstringed or bowstrung, bowstringing.

to strangle with a bowstring or any string or band.

bowstring

/ ˈ��əʊˌ��ٰ�ɪŋ /

noun

the string of an archer's bow, usually consisting of three strands of hemp

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of bowstring¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, bowstring is from Middle English bowe streng. See bow ², string

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Among the findings are arrows preserved with their original feathers, remains of fibres, and two bowstrings made of animal sinews, which are the oldest found so far in Europe.

From

Loading the arrow with the toes of his right foot, he leans forward to latch the bowstring with a hook attached to his right shoulder.

From

That’s where the bowstring had snapped and punished his terrible form.

From

Her bowstring had snapped against her arm once, and the long bruise that formed didn’t go away for more than a week.

From

Kainta teaches me how to peel the bark off the sapling, cut notches for the bowstring, and string it with strong gut.

From

Bow Street runner bowstring hemp

Browse