bowstring

American  

[boh-string] / ˈboʊˌstrɪŋ /

noun

1. the string of an archer's bow.

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

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

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verb (used with object)

bowstringed, bowstrung, bowstringing

1. to strangle with a bowstring or any string or band.

bowstring British  

/ ˈbəʊˌstrɪŋ /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of bowstring

First recorded in 1350–1400, bowstring is from Middle English bowe streng. See bow ², string

Example Sentences

Loading the arrow with the toes of his right foot, he leans forward to latch the bowstring with a hook attached to his right shoulder.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 7, 2024

“Capacity is normally bowstring tight during this time of year leading up to the holidays,” Steve Gordon, a veteran Northwest trucking executive, told me.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 22, 2021

Handle feelings at such length and at such bowstring pitch and they tend to go fetid.

From New York Times • Oct. 21, 2021

Roth’s skills as narrator are everywhere as taut as a bowstring with its arrow poised to fly.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2018

The witch stopped outside the tent Mrs. Coulter had gone into, and fitted an arrow to her bowstring.

From "The Subtle Knife" by Philip Pullman