Word Noun
crossbow
n.
countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈkɹɔsˌboʊ/ UK /kɹˈɒsbəʊ/ cross·bow UK spelling crossbows
Definition
n.a weapon that looks like a small bow fixed across a wooden handle. It has a trigger that you pull to shoot short, heavy arrows.
n.a medieval weapon consisting of a bow mounted transversely on a stock, which fires projectiles via a trigger mechanism.
Examples
“The hunter used a crossbow to hit the target.”
“Historical reenactors often demonstrate how a crossbow was much easier for a soldier to master than a traditional longbow.”
“While the longbow required years of physical training to operate effectively, the mechanical advantage of the crossbow allowed relatively unskilled infantry to pierce heavy plate armour from a distance.”
Usage
Commonly takes the verb 'fire' or 'shoot'; the projectiles are specifically called 'bolts' or 'quarrels'.
Real-world usage
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated