bowing

American  

[boh-ing] / ˈboʊ ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or art of playing a stringed instrument with a bow.

2. the individual way of using the bow in playing a stringed instrument, including the way in which the musician approaches the music emotionally, the articulation of individual notes, and the manner in which the notes of a passage are grouped together.

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bowing British  

/ ˈbəʊɪŋ /

noun

1. the technique of using the bow in playing a violin, viola, cello, or related instrument

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Other Word Forms

• unbowing adjective

Etymology

Origin of bowing

First recorded in 1830–40; bow ² + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Podcasts can run forever, but some hosts are bowing out as celebrities and YouTube dominate the industry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

"I assume full responsibility for this defeat," an ashen-faced Jospin announced, bowing out of politics to howls of dismay from supporters.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

The FDA reversed itself Wednesday, bowing to an appeal by the company, Moderna announced, saying the FDA will now review its application to license the flu shot.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

But Ryding still took his moment, bowing after crossing the line.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

“Consider my bookshelf your personal library,” she says, bowing as if I’m a British royal.

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan

Related Words

• submission
• yielding