crossbow

noun

cross·​bow ˈkrȯs-ˌbō How to pronounce crossbow (audio)
: a weapon for shooting quarrels and stones that consists chiefly of a short bow mounted crosswise near the end of a stock

Illustration of crossbow

Illustration of crossbow

Examples of crossbow in a Sentence

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.
The incident occurred during the crossbow sharp-shooting act in the Circus Murcia tent, News 12 Westchester reported. — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026 On cue, a Frey leaps out and stabs Robb’s pregnant wife Talisa (Oona Chaplin) in the stomach, and a volley of crossbow arrows lay into Robb and his friends. — Ew Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 25 June 2026 Curtis Fryer Mesa County Curtis Fryer, 47, was arrested is accused of firing the crossbow at the victim on Tuesday night in the 400 block of Cougar Run Court. — Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 20 June 2026 In ten episodes of this comedy series, viewers will learn how to make a vibrator out of a toothbrush and a crossbow out of a coat hanger alongside young first-time convict David Broulík. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for crossbow

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crossbow was in the 15th century

Rhymes for crossbow

See All Rhymes for crossbow

Browse Nearby Words

crossbones
crossbow
crossbowman
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Cite this Entry

“Crossbow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crossbow. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

crossbow

noun
cross·​bow -ˌbō How to pronounce crossbow (audio)
: a short bow mounted crosswise near the end of a wooden stock that shoots short arrows

More from Merriam-Webster on crossbow

Nglish: Translation of crossbow for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about crossbow

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