English word bow comes from Proto-Indo-European *bʰug-, Proto-Indo-European *bʰūgʰ-, Proto-Germanic *bōōną (To boast, tell.)
You can also see our other etymologies for the English word bow. Currently you are viewing the etymology of bow with the meaning: (Verb Noun) (intransitive) To bend oneself as a gesture of respect or deference.. (intransitive) To defer (to something).. (transitive, and, intransitive) To debut. A gesture, usually showing respect, made [...](intransitive) To bend oneself as a gesture of respect or deference.. (intransitive) To defer (to something).. (transitive, and, intransitive) To debut. A gesture, usually showing respect, made [...]
| Dictionary entry | Language | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| *bʰug- | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | ram |
| *bʰūgʰ- | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | to bend |
| *bōōną | Proto-Germanic (gem-pro) | To boast, tell. |
| bōian | Old English (ca. 450-1100) (ang) | |
| *beuganą | Proto-Germanic (gem-pro) | To bend, bow. |
| būgan | Old English (ca. 450-1100) (ang) | |
| bugan | Old English (ca. 450-1100) (ang) | To bend, bow (down). To turn away, withdraw. |
| buȝen | Middle English (1100-1500) (enm) | |
| bow | English (eng) | (intransitive) To bend oneself as a gesture of respect or deference.. (intransitive) To defer (to something).. (transitive, and, intransitive) To debut. A gesture, usually showing respect, made by inclining the head or bending forward at the waist; a reverence. |