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Synonyms

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.


bowing British  
/ ˈbəʊɪŋ /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of bowing

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

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.

That may explain why this creature of the theater who was so graceful leading an orchestra and so enjoyed talking to the audience turned stiff and awkward when bowing to acknowledged applause.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

As one of the few children who would regularly attend services, she would copy the men in prayer, swaying and bowing as they did, as if she were one of the group.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

Footage from the IRGC-affiliated Tasnim news agency, showed hundreds of mourners bowing their heads in front of a group of at least 18 coffins draped in the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 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

“Thank you, honored ancestors,” I said, bowing low.

From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia

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