# crossbow

/ˈkɹɔsˌboʊ/ (US) · /kɹˈɒsbəʊ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

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

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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 notes

- Commonly takes the verb 'fire' or 'shoot'; the projectiles are specifically called 'bolts' or 'quarrels'.

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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.