English Reference

Word

bowler

Phoneticsbowler

US/ˈboʊɫɝ/

UK/bˈəʊlɐ/

Definitions

01cricket player

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Sports

n. the player in cricket who throws the ball to the batter.

n. the player who delivers the ball to the batsman. In professional contexts, bowlers are often categorised by their speed or style, such as 'fast' or 'spin' bowlers.

“The bowler ran up to the wicket and threw a very fast ball.”

“The opening bowler struggled to find his rhythm in the first session, conceding several boundaries to the aggressive top-order batsmen.”

Antonyms

02ten-pin bowling player

A2 · Elementary Countable noun Sports

n. a person who plays the game of bowling, where you roll a heavy ball at pins.

n. an individual who participates in the sport of ten-pin bowling or lawn bowls.

“The professional bowler managed to get three strikes in a row.”

“Even an amateur bowler can improve their score significantly by mastering the correct footwork and release technique.”

03a type of hat

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun British English

n. a hard, round black hat that was popular for businessmen in the past.

n. a sturdy, felt hat with a rounded crown and narrow brim, traditionally associated with British civil servants and businessmen.

“The old man in the movie wore a smart suit and a black bowler.”

“While the bowler remained a staple of London city attire for decades, it is now rarely seen outside of formal ceremonies or period dramas.”

Synonyms

Real-World Examples

“After the first-Test win at Headingley, captain Joe Root said his pace bowlers "do not know how good they can be" and praised the variety they offer.”
BBC News 28 Aug 2026
“It also allowed him to ensure the ball was always returned to the bowler via their captain.”
BBC News 19 Aug 2026

Word family

NOUN

Bowler(B2)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference