crossbow

noun

cross·​bow ˈkrȯs-ˌbō How to pronounce crossbow (audio)
: a weapon for shooting quarrels and stones that consists chiefly of a short bow mounted crosswise near the end of a stock

Illustration of crossbow

Illustration of crossbow

Examples of crossbow in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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In episode 8, Melissa's life is almost cut short when Kodi (Joel McHale) shoots her with a crossbow in an attempt to escape her and the other survivors after Lottie attacks and kills Edwin (Nelson Franklin), sending the outdoor expert and Hannah running into the woods. Stacy Lambe, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025 Built on a steep, mountainous site, the bookstore extends outward like an arrow, symbolizing the Lisu people’s cultural connection to their crossbows. New Atlas, 20 Nov. 2024 Researchers also ventured out in small boats and used crossbows fitted with darts to collect whale skin samples to confirm changes in their diets in years when prey was plentiful or scarce. Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2025 In 2013, the state legalized crossbow hunting statewide and in 2015, the state permitted hunting on Sundays. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for crossbow

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crossbow was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Crossbow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crossbow. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

crossbow

noun
cross·​bow -ˌbō How to pronounce crossbow (audio)
: a short bow mounted crosswise near the end of a wooden stock that shoots short arrows

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