# bowman

/ˈboʊmən/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bowman
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. an archer

noun · CEFR B2 · Literary

a person who shoots with a bow and arrow.

For teachers: a person who uses a bow; an archer. The term is often found in historical or literary contexts.

- The bowman pulled back his string and aimed at the target.
- Historical accounts describe the English bowman as a decisive factor in medieval warfare due to the range and power of the longbow.

### 2. nautical/rowing position

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the person who sits or works at the front (the bow) of a boat.

For teachers: the crew member positioned nearest the bow of a vessel, responsible for forward lookout or handling lines.

- The bowman signaled to the rest of the crew as the boat approached the dock.
- In competitive rowing, the bowman must maintain perfect timing while also keeping a watchful eye on the water ahead for potential obstacles.

Usage: In rowing, often shortened simply to 'bow'.

## Examples

- The bowman aimed carefully at the target.
- The medieval bowman stood ready to defend the castle walls.
- In the tournament, the champion bowman demonstrated exceptional precision under pressure.

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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.