arrow
noun
a slender, straight, generally pointed missile or weapon made to be shot from a bow and equipped with feathers at the end of the shaft near the nock, for controlling flight.
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1 American
[ar-oh]
/ ˈær oʊ /
noun
-
arrows
plural
-
a slender, straight, generally pointed missile or weapon made to be shot from a bow and equipped with feathers at the end of the shaft near the nock, for controlling flight.
-
anything resembling an arrow in form, function, or character.
-
a linear figure having a wedge-shaped end, as one used on a map or architectural drawing, to indicate direction or placement.
-
Astronomy. Arrow, the constellation Sagitta.
verb (used with object)
Arrow
2
American
[ar-oh]
/ ˈær oʊ /
noun
arrow
British
/ ˈærəʊ /
noun
-
a long slender pointed weapon, usually having feathers fastened at the end as a balance, that is shot from a bow
-
any of various things that resemble an arrow in shape, function, or speed, such as a sign indicating direction or position
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of arrow
First recorded before 900; Middle English arewe, arwe, Old English earh; cognate with Old Norse ǫr (plural ǫrvar ), Gothic arhwazna; unattested Germanic arhwō (feminine), akin to Latin arcus (genitive arcūs ) “bow, arc”; thus unattested Latin arku- “bow,” and unattested pre-Germanic arku-ā “belonging to the bow”; see arc
Explanation
An arrow is a pointed weapon that's shot with a bow. If you enjoy archery, you like to shoot arrows at a target. A bow consists of a piece of wood, metal, or plastic that has a flexible string connected to each end, and an arrow is the smaller, sharp-ended projectile that's held as the string is stretched back. When the string is released, the arrow flies. The Old English source of arrow is earh, which most likely comes from an Old Norse root.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
It moves consistently in one direction, establishing what physicists call the "arrow of time," the distinction between past and future.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 30, 2026
“The arrow is pointing up for Will,” Roberts said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 16, 2026
“When you’re in your 40s, it’s like you’re pointing an arrow at your head,” Abend said, as if daring those around you to speculate about whether you get work done.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026
Excitement levels were raised further in the fourth leg when Littler had double 15 remaining for a second nine-darter, only for his arrow to land just the wrong side of the wire.
From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026
Each arrow turned into a bird that flew right off his skin.
From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova
The group went on to tour Europe, including playing the Netherlands’ Arrow Rock Festival in 2006.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026
And there is at least one product on the market, PlasticTox by Arrow Lab Solutions, that makes at-home blood and saliva tests that estimate the number and size of microplastic particles you carry.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026
Quill & Arrow was founded in 2019 by attorneys Kevin Jacobson and Jonathan Shirian, according to the firm’s website, which touts recovering $500 million in lemon law payouts.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 18, 2026
An emotional Arrow was unable to speak during a club press conference on Wednesday, but had a written statement read out.
From BBC ● May 20, 2026
While the peasantry was chuckling, the Pierce Arrow would buck away in clouds of gray smoke, while the professor up front rendered a few bars of Honk Honk Kadookah.
From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
Police searched the car and seized the bow and arrows but were satisfied the two men were not a threat to the public.
From BBC ● Nov. 6, 2026
Scroll to the right or click the arrows to see the full map.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 2026
The other side of the coin features a version of the US presidential seal, depicting an eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch while covered by a shield that says "250."
From Barron's ● Sep. 2, 2026
"This directly explains the presence of bows, arrows, and maces in the women's tombs; these were not just symbolic gifts but tools they actively used."
From Science Daily ● Aug. 30, 2026
The arrows were all pointing backward, like the time Danny had tried to run away from the book at the library, thinking he was in trouble.
From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova
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