ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bowing

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈbaʊɪŋ// bow·ing

n. the act of bending your head or body forward to show respect or to say hello. It is also the way a musician moves a bow across the strings of an instrument like a violin.

n. the act of inclining the head or body as a gesture of respect, submission, or salutation. In a musical context, refers to the technique or style of using a bow on a stringed instrument.


SIMPLE

The actor took a final bowing after the show ended.

CONTEXTUAL

The diplomat's deep bowing was seen as a sign of great respect for the local traditions.

COMPLEX

The conductor spent several hours refining the string section's bowing to ensure a consistent and fluid legato throughout the symphony's second movement.

Synonyms
Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general technique of playing a stringed instrument; countable when referring to a specific instance of bending the body.

© 2026 English Reference