embow: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / ArchaicLiterary / Technical (Architecture)
Quick answer
What does “embow” mean?
to form into an arch or a curve.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to form into an arch or a curve; to bend.
Used in both physical (to arch a structure) and, more rarely, metaphorical senses (to shape or curve something non-physical).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference; the word is equally rare and specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
Poetic, architectural, archaic.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in modern corpora of both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “embow” in a Sentence
[Someone/Architect] embows [something/Structure].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “embow” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The medieval architect sought to embow the stone corridor.
- The galleon's timbers were embowed by the fierce storm.
American English
- The designer chose to embow the ceiling for a dramatic effect.
- The bridge's support beams were embowed under the immense weight.
adverb
British English
- The branches grew embowingly over the path.
American English
- The structure rose embowingly from its base.
adjective
British English
- The embowed archway created a sense of grandeur.
- They admired the room's embowed ceiling.
American English
- The embowed roof of the chapel was a feat of engineering.
- An embowed gateway marked the entrance to the estate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rarely, in historical or architectural studies.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Used in architectural descriptions of arched or vaulted structures.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “embow”
- Using it as an intransitive verb (*'The ceiling embowed gracefully'). It is strictly transitive. Confusing it with 'emboss' (to carve in relief).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and considered archaic or highly specialized (architectural).
No, it is a transitive verb requiring an object (e.g., you embow *something*).
'Embow' is a more specific, literary, and less common synonym for 'arch'. It carries a poetic or technical nuance.
Yes, 'embowment' exists but is even rarer, referring to the state of being arched or the act of arching.
to form into an arch or a curve.
Embow is usually literary / technical (architecture) in register.
Embow: in British English it is pronounced /ɪmˈbəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɪmˈboʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'emBOW' – to put something into a shape like a BOW (as in 'bow and arrow', which is curved).
Conceptual Metaphor
SHAPING IS BENDING.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'embow' most appropriately used?