cupid's bow: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowDescriptive, poetic, semi-technical (in cosmetics/dermatology).
Quick answer
What does “cupid's bow” mean?
The shape of the human upper lip when it has a pronounced double curve in the middle, reminiscent of the bow of the Roman god Cupid.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The shape of the human upper lip when it has a pronounced double curve in the middle, reminiscent of the bow of the Roman god Cupid.
Any object, design, or shape that features a similar symmetrical double-curve, often used in reference to decorative motifs, architecture, or the headlights of certain classic cars.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or spelling. The pronunciation of 'bow' may vary slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Equally used and understood in both varieties with the same romantic/classical connotations.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties; primarily found in descriptive, beauty, and literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cupid's bow” in a Sentence
She has a [pronounced] cupid's bow.The lipstick accentuated her [perfect] cupid's bow.The [design/headlight] featured a distinct cupid's bow shape.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Uncommon. Potentially in fashion or cosmetic marketing.
Academic
Used in art history, literature (describing characters), and anthropology/physiology.
Everyday
Used in descriptions of appearance, particularly in beauty and makeup tutorials.
Technical
Used in cosmetic surgery, dermatology, and makeup artistry as a standard descriptive term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cupid's bow”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cupid's bow”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cupid's bow”
- Misspelling as 'Cupid's bow' (lowercase 'c') is common but considered incorrect in formal writing. Confusing it with 'Cupid's arrow'. Using it to describe the lower lip.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While the primary meaning refers to the shape of the upper lip, it can describe any similar double-curved shape, such as in architecture or vintage car design.
Yes, the term is a fixed compound noun: 'Cupid's bow'. The apostrophe and 's' are essential.
Yes, it can describe a male lip shape, though it is more frequently used in contexts discussing female beauty standards.
It derives from the bow carried by Cupid, the Roman god of love, depicted in classical art as a small, elegantly curved weapon. The term was first used in the 19th century to poetically describe the lip shape that resembles it.
The shape of the human upper lip when it has a pronounced double curve in the middle, reminiscent of the bow of the Roman god Cupid.
Cupid's bow is usually descriptive, poetic, semi-technical (in cosmetics/dermatology). in register.
Cupid's bow: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkjuːpɪdz bəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkjuːpɪdz boʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the twin-curved shape of Cupid's weapon (bow) when he shoots love arrows, then imagine that shape as the outline of the upper lip.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE LIP IS A CLASSICAL WEAPON (OF LOVE).
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts is the term 'cupid's bow' LEAST likely to be used?