# bowing

/ˈbaʊɪŋ/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bowing
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The actor took a final bowing after the show ended.
- The diplomat's deep bowing was seen as a sign of great respect for the local traditions.
- The conductor spent several hours refining the string section's bowing to ensure a consistent and fluid legato throughout the symphony's second movement.

## Usage notes

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.