bowie knife

American  

[boh-ee, boo-ee] / ˈboʊ i, ˈbu i /

noun

1. a heavy sheath knife having a long, single-edged blade.

---

bowie knife British  

/ ˈbəʊɪ /

noun

1. a stout hunting knife with a short hilt and a guard for the hand

---

Etymology

Origin of bowie knife

1830–40, named after James Bowie, for whom the knife was designed, either by James or his brother Rezin P. Bowie (1793–1841)

Example Sentences

“I came down the chimney with a bowie knife between my teeth because this bear was stalking Colbert,” he said, referring to the late-night host Stephen Colbert.

From New York Times • Dec. 9, 2022

Mr. Davies laid out a map of Arkansas on a heavy wooden table in his office; a shiny silver bowie knife in a shadow box was displayed nearby.

From New York Times • Sep. 30, 2014

David Bowie Is V&A, London SW7 Starts 23 MarchUntil 11 August 020-7942 2000 Venue details David Bowie: An 18in bowie knife … you don't do things by halves do you?

From The Guardian • Mar. 9, 2013

Another antiquated law unearthed by John Davis provides a $100 minimum fine for anyone who carries a "pistol, dirk, dagger, slingshot, handchain, night stick, sword cane, spear or bowie knife."

From Time Magazine Archive

Even though a big part of Citra wanted to bolt through the door and run from this, she squared her shoulders, stood tall, reached down, and took the bowie knife.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman