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Synonyms

crossbow

American  
[kraws-boh, kros-] / ˈkrɔsˌboʊ, ˈkrɒs- /

noun

  1. a medieval weapon consisting of a bow fixed transversely on a stock having a trigger mechanism to release the bowstring, and often incorporating or accompanied by a mechanism for bending the bow.

crossbow British  
/ ˈkrɒsˌbəʊ /

noun

  1. a type of medieval bow fixed transversely on a wooden stock grooved to direct a square-headed arrow (quarrel)

"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

  • crossbowman noun

Etymology

Origin of crossbow

First recorded in 1400–50, crossbow is from the late Middle English word crossbowe. See cross, bow 2

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.

In a description of a meeting involving Scales, Sevilla, Stallings and Grayson, parts of Grayson’s original email to Scales is passed along, including a reference to Busbice and his crossbow business.

From Salon • Sep. 18, 2025

On March 27, Benjamin Grayson, the deputy chief of staff at the Small Business Administration, sent an email to Samuel Scales, a United States Trade Representative staffer, concerning a Florida-based crossbow manufacturer, Barnett Crossbows.

From Salon • Sep. 18, 2025

Police also uncovered a video of the defendant displaying a crossbow and flag.

From BBC • Aug. 29, 2025

The force took the unusual step of telling the public Clifford was believed to have a crossbow, and made a direct appeal to him.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2025

Joffrey stood in the center of the throng, winding an ornate crossbow.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.