crossbow
Americannoun
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a medieval weapon consisting of a bow fixed transversely on a stock having a trigger mechanism to release the bowstring, and often incorporating or accompanied by a mechanism for bending the bow.
noun
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a type of medieval bow fixed transversely on a wooden stock grooved to direct a square-headed arrow (quarrel)
Other Word Forms
- crossbowman noun
Etymology
Origin of crossbow
First recorded in 1400–50, crossbow is from the late Middle English word crossbowe. See cross, bow 2
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In a description of a meeting involving Scales, Sevilla, Stallings and Grayson, parts of Grayson’s original email to Scales is passed along, including a reference to Busbice and his crossbow business.
From Salon • Sep. 18, 2025
On March 27, Benjamin Grayson, the deputy chief of staff at the Small Business Administration, sent an email to Samuel Scales, a United States Trade Representative staffer, concerning a Florida-based crossbow manufacturer, Barnett Crossbows.
From Salon • Sep. 18, 2025
The force took the unusual step of telling the public Clifford was believed to have a crossbow, and made a direct appeal to him.
From BBC • Mar. 6, 2025
With a flaming crossbow, she set the VMAs stage ablaze for her performance of “Good Luck, Babe!”
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 12, 2024
Joffrey stood in the center of the throng, winding an ornate crossbow.
From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.