Word
crossbow
Phoneticscross·bow, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɹɔsˌboʊ/
UK/kɹˈɒsbəʊ/
Countable noun Military
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.”
Examples
simple
“The hunter used a crossbow to hit the target.”
contextual
“Historical reenactors often demonstrate how a crossbow was much easier for a soldier to master than a traditional longbow.”
complex
“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 Examples
“The court also heard police found a crossbow in the attic of his property, which was still in its wrapping.” “Wearing a life jacket and helmet and armed with a crossbow, biologist Fabio Fontes pursues a group of males competing to mate with a female.” Related words
Domain
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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