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

Taking cover behind a rock, he drew his bowstring and with a single strike landed an arrow close to its neck.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

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

From New York Times • Oct. 21, 2021

And strong — the tension on her bowstring is about 20 pounds.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 10, 2017

She is one of a small number of archers who use a rectangular nylon mouth tab to pull back the bowstring - no small feat for the teen.

From Washington Times • Dec. 10, 2017

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