nock

American  

[nok] / nɒk /

noun

1. a metal or plastic piece at the end of an arrow, having a notch for the bowstring.

2. a notch or groove at the end of an arrow into which the bowstring fits.

3. a notch or groove at each end of a bow, to hold the bowstring in place.

4. Nautical. throat.

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verb (used with object)

1. to furnish with a nock.

2. to adjust (the arrow) to the bowstring, in readiness to shoot.

nock British  

/ nɒk /

noun

1. a notch on an arrow that fits on the bowstring

2. either of the grooves at each end of a bow that hold the bowstring

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verb

1. to fit (an arrow) on a bowstring

2. to put a groove or notch in (a bow or arrow)

Etymology

Origin of nock

1325–75; Middle English nok ( ke ) (noun); akin to Dutch nok, Low German nok ( ke ) tip

Example Sentences

One of the goons nocks two arrows in his wooden bow.

From Literature

Without taking her eyes off the first target, Anya pulled an arrow out of her quiver, nocked it against the bowstring, and breathed deeply through her nose.

From Literature

By the time he reached the helm, he had already fired one arrow and was nocking the second.

From Literature

Taran and the bard drew their swords, Gurgi nocked an arrow into his bowstring, and the weary band made ready to defend themselves as best they could.

From Literature

She nocked the arrow and loosed it in the direction of the Cauldron-Born.

From Literature