bowler

¹ American  

[boh-ler] / ˈboʊ lər /

noun

1. a person who bowl, especially a participant in a bowling game, as candlepins or tenpins.

2. Cricket. the player who throws the ball to be played by the batsman.

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bowler ² American  

[boh-ler] / ˈboʊ lər /

noun

Chiefly British.

1. derby.

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bowler ¹ British  

/ ˈbəʊlə /

noun

1. one who bowls in cricket

2. a player at the game of bowls

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bowler ² British  

/ ˈbəʊlə /

noun

1. US and Canadian name: derby.  a stiff felt hat with a rounded crown and narrow curved brim

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bowler ³ British  

/ ˈbaʊlə /

noun

1. dialect a dog

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Etymology

Origin of bowler¹

First recorded in 1490–1500; bowl ² + -er ¹

Origin of bowler²

First recorded in 1860–65; bowl ¹ + -er ¹

Example Sentences

With Broad, Anderson and Chris Woakes all retiring from international cricket in successive years, England have a vacancy for a new-ball bowler and attack leader.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Pace bowler Mark Wood is hoping to bowl later in the summer as he looks to come back from the knee injury that ruined his Ashes.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

England are keen to find a new-ball bowler to replace the retired Woakes.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

Bennett, whose mother was a nurse and semi-professional bowler, was the first in his family to finish high school, and first to go to college, where he would earn three degrees.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

The ground beneath his feet is black and muddy, and when he steps back he accidentally kicks a black bowler hat.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern

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