bowstring

[ boh-string ]

/ ˈboʊˌstrɪŋ /

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noun

the string of an archer's bow.

a string, typically of horsehair, for the bow of an instrument of the violin and viol families.

(especially in the Ottoman Empire) a similar string for killing people by strangulation.

verb (used with object), bow·stringed or bow·strung, bow·string·ing.

to strangle with a bowstring or any string or band.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of bowstring

First recorded in 1350–1400, bowstring is from Middle English bowe streng. See bow², string

Words nearby bowstring

bowshot, bowsie, bowsprit, Bow Street, Bow Street runner, bowstring, bowstring hemp, bowstring truss, bowtel, bow thruster, bow tie

How to use bowstring in a sentence

Those who assisted him in his reforms, he rewarded with the bowstring.
The Continental Monthly, Vol 3 No 3, March 1863|Various
"You used to draw that bowstring to your ear," said Daly, sternly, as he pointed to a Swiss bow of portentous size.
The Knight Of Gwynne, Vol. II (of II)|Charles James Lever
All night long he pursued his way, his muscles playing tirelessly to the demands of a mind as taut as bowstring.
The Way of an Indian|Frederic Remington
They would have served his purpose, and might be cast aside like a frayed bowstring or the shaft of a broken spear.
Sarchedon|G. J. (George John) Whyte-Melville

A suitable piece of wood was procured, and one of the bears sacrificed himself to provide gut for a bowstring.
The Myths of the North American Indians|Lewis Spence

British Dictionary definitions for bowstring

bowstring

/ (ˈbəʊˌstrɪŋ) /

noun

the string of an archer's bow, usually consisting of three strands of hemp

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