bowleg: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Medical, informal, sometimes mildly humorous or descriptive.
Quick answer
What does “bowleg” mean?
A condition in which the legs curve outward at the knees, causing the ankles to be close together while the knees remain apart.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A condition in which the legs curve outward at the knees, causing the ankles to be close together while the knees remain apart.
1. As a descriptive term for a person with such legs. 2. Can be used metaphorically to describe objects or structures with a similar curved, outward-bending shape.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling as one word ('bowleg') is more common in American English. British English slightly prefers the hyphenated 'bow-leg' or the adjective 'bow-legged'. The medical term 'genu varum' is used in both varieties.
Connotations
Similar in both, though the 'cowboy' archetype association may be stronger in American cultural context.
Frequency
Low-to-medium frequency in both, with comparable usage levels. The informal term is understood universally.
Grammar
How to Use “bowleg” in a Sentence
[Person/Subject] + have/has + bowlegs.[It/That] + is + a case of + bowleg.The + [Noun] + caused + bowleg.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bowleg” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The old sailor had a distinctly bow-legged gait.
- Rickets can lead to bow-legged development in children.
American English
- The veteran cowboy was bowlegged from years in the saddle.
- The toddler's bowlegged walk is often normal and corrects itself.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in medical, anatomical, or paediatric contexts, often alongside the Latin term 'genu varum'.
Everyday
Used as a descriptive physical characteristic, though can be sensitive. More common in historical or character descriptions.
Technical
Specific term in orthopaedics, paediatrics, and veterinary science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bowleg”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bowleg”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bowleg”
- Misspelling as 'bowlleg' or 'boleg'.
- Using it as a verb (*'His legs bowleg').
- Confusing 'bowlegged' (adjective) with 'bowleg' (noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a standard descriptive term but can be impolite or hurtful if used directly to describe a person. In medical or factual contexts, it is neutral.
In many children, it corrects naturally. In persistent or severe cases, especially in adults or due to disease, medical interventions like braces, osteotomy, or guided growth surgery may be considered.
The opposite condition is called 'knock-knee' or 'genu valgum', where the knees touch but the ankles are apart.
No. Many infants are physiologically bowlegged, and it often straightens as they grow. It becomes a concern if it is severe, asymmetrical, worsening, or associated with pain or disease.
A condition in which the legs curve outward at the knees, causing the ankles to be close together while the knees remain apart.
Bowleg is usually medical, informal, sometimes mildly humorous or descriptive. in register.
Bowleg: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbəʊleɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈboʊleɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Bowlegged from riding (humorous/cliché reason for the condition).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BOW (the weapon that curves) + LEG. Legs that curve like a bow.
Conceptual Metaphor
LEGS ARE BOWS (The body part is mapped onto a curved object).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary medical term for 'bowleg'?