noun
crossbow
KROS-boh
Crossbow (noun) means a weapon that shoots short arrows called bolts, made from a bow mounted crosswise on a stock. Example: “Medieval soldiers used crossbows because they required less training than longbows.”
noun
1
A weapon that shoots short arrows called bolts, made from a bow mounted crosswise on a stock.
"Medieval soldiers used crossbows because they required less training than longbows."
How to use crossbow
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA mechanical bow-and-arrow weapon that fires bolts, historically used in warfare and hunting.
Common pairings
fire a crossbow
crossbow bolt
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Word forms
- Plural
- crossbows
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Medieval soldiers used _____ because they required less training than longbows.
Etymology
From Middle English crosbowe, formed from "cross" plus "bow," describing the bow's crosswise mounting.
Frequently asked questions
What does “crossbow” mean?
The word “crossbow” means a weapon that shoots short arrows called bolts, made from a bow mounted crosswise on a stock. In plain terms, a mechanical bow-and-arrow weapon that fires bolts, historically used in warfare and hunting.
How do you pronounce “crossbow”?
“Crossbow” is pronounced KROS-boh (/ˈkɹɒsbəʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “crossbow” in a sentence?
Here is “crossbow” used in a sentence: “Medieval soldiers used crossbows because they required less training than longbows.”
What part of speech is “crossbow”?
“Crossbow” is a noun.
Where does the word “crossbow” come from?
The word “crossbow” comes from Middle English. From Middle English crosbowe, formed from "cross" plus "bow," describing the bow's crosswise mounting.
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