Bowl

Definition

Bowl is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a round, deep dish or container used for holding food or liquid. As a verb, it means to roll a ball towards a target, as in the sports of bowling or cricket.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /boʊl/
• Respelling: bohl

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /bəʊl/
• Respelling: bohwl

Etymology

The word "bowl" originates from the Old English term "bolla," meaning "a round container." It is related to the Old Norse "bolli" and the Middle Dutch "bolle," which all describe round or hollow vessels. The term has been used in English since before the 12th century and has expanded to include references to certain sports and actions involving rolling a ball.

Derivatives

• Bowling (noun)
• Bowler (noun)
• Bowlful (noun)
• Bowled (verb)
• Bowl-shaped (adjective)

Synonyms

• Dish
• Container
• Vessel

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "bowl" is commonly used to describe a round container for food or liquid, as well as the action of rolling a ball in sports. For example, "He ate a bowl of soup," or "She bowled a strike in the last frame."

Related Terms

• Plate: A flat dish for serving or holding food.
• Cup: A small, round container used to hold drinks.
• Rolling: The act of moving something in a circular motion, often associated with the movement in bowling.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A round, deep dish or container used for holding food or liquid: Used to hold items such as soup, salads, or snacks.
  • Example: "She poured cereal into a bowl for breakfast."
• An arena or stadium with a round, bowl-like shape: Often used to describe sports venues or amphitheaters.
  • Example: "The Rose Bowl is a famous stadium in California."

Verb

• To roll a ball towards a target, as in bowling or cricket: Describes the action of propelling a ball along a surface toward a set of pins or wickets.
  • Example: "He learned to bowl a perfect strike."
• To throw a ball with an underhand motion, as in cricket: Used to describe the specific method of delivery in cricket.
  • Example: "The bowler bowled an excellent delivery."