First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1bowl
noun \ˈbōl\
Definition of BOWL
1
: a concave usually nearly hemispherical vessel; specifically : a drinking vessel (as for wine)
2
: the contents of a bowl
3
: a bowl-shaped or concave part: as a : the hollow of a spoon or tobacco pipe b : the receptacle of a toilet
4
a : a natural formation or geographical region shaped like a bowl b : a bowl-shaped structure; especially : an athletic stadium
5
: a postseason football game between specially invited teams
— bowled \ˈbōld\ adjective
— bowl·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun
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Origin of BOWL
Middle English bolle, from Old English bolla; akin to Old High German bolla blister
2bowl
noun
Definition of BOWL
1
a : a ball (as of lignum vitae) weighted or shaped to give it a bias when rolled in lawn bowling b plural but sing in constr : lawn bowling
2
: a delivery of the ball in bowling
3
: a cylindrical roller or drum (as for a machine)
Origin of BOWL
Middle English boule, from Middle French, from Latin bulla bubble
First Known Use: 15th century
3bowl
verb
: to roll (a ball) towards something especially in the game of bowling or lawn bowling
: to play the game of bowling
: to get (a score) in a game of bowling
Full Definition of BOWL
intransitive verb
1
a : to participate in a game of bowling b : to roll a ball in bowling
2
: to travel smoothly and rapidly (as in a wheeled vehicle)
transitive verb
1
a : to roll (a ball) in bowling b (1) : to complete by bowling <bowl a string> (2) : to score by bowling <bowls 150>
2
: to strike with a swiftly moving object
See bowl defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BOWL
15th century
BOWLED Defined for Kids
1bowl
noun \ˈbōl\
Definition of BOWL for Kids
1
: a round hollow dish without handles
2
: the contents of a bowl <I ate a bowl of cereal.>
3
: something in the shape of a bowl (as part of a spoon or pipe)
2bowl
verb
bowledbowl·ing
Definition of BOWL for Kids
1
: to play a game of bowling
2
: to move rapidly and smoothly <The car bowled down the hill.>
— bowl over
1
: to hit and push down while moving quickly
2
: to surprise or impress very much
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