bowl over

verb

bowled over; bowling over; bowls over
Synonyms of bowl overnext

transitive verb

1
: to take unawares
2
: impress entry 1 sense 1

Synonyms of bowl over

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Examples of bowl over in a Sentence

she was bowled over to learn that she had a long-lost sister
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.
At 6-foot, 215 pounds, Jenkins can bowl over defenders and runs like a fullback. — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026 One woman filed a lawsuit against the event’s organizers after she allegedly was bowled over during a crowd rush, sustaining multiple injuries. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 2026 Yet, as with Lebanon, Middle East watchers were bowled over to discover that the MOU codified Iran’s claim to a say in administering passage through the strait. — Ron Kampeas, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2026 In a bowl over simmering water (aka double boiler), melt butter, chocolate chips, and unsweetened chocolate. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bowl over

Word History

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bowl over was in 1861

Rhymes for bowl over

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Browse Nearby Words

bowling stump
bowl over
bowly
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Cite this Entry

“Bowl over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bowl%20over. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bowl over

verb
1
: to hit and knock down while quickly moving past
2
: to greatly surprise or impress
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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