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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The class’s signature weapon, a crossbow, can mimic the feel of an assault rifle, a shotgun, a sniper, or a grenade launcher depending on the skills and ammunition type in use. Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 6 Dec. 2024 If there was ever a time to introduce a new weapon type like a crossbow, this was it. Paul Tassi, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024 And on Christmas Day in 2021, a man appeared at Windsor Castle brandishing a crossbow with plans to assassinate the Queen. Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week Uk, theweek, 19 Nov. 2024 Jojo made a great shot with her crossbow and while Roberts saw the deer crash, Jojo couldn’t. Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 7 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near crossbow

Cite this Entry

“Crossbow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crossbow. Accessed 29 Jan. 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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