prow: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Rare / LiteraryLiterary, poetic, technical (nautical contexts).
Quick answer
What does “prow” mean?
The front part of a ship or boat.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The front part of a ship or boat; the bow.
Something that resembles or metaphorically acts as the forward or leading part of something; the front end of a vehicle (e.g., an aircraft).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. It is equally rare/technical/literary in both varieties.
Connotations
Evokes imagery of seafaring, exploration, and nautical tradition. Can sound archaic or deliberately stylistic.
Frequency
Very low frequency in everyday speech in both regions. Most common in historical, literary, or specific nautical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “prow” in a Sentence
the prow of [NOUN (ship/vessel/aircraft)][VERB (cut/plough)] through [noun] from the prowVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially used metaphorically: 'The company is at the prow of innovation.'
Academic
Used in historical, literary, or maritime studies contexts.
Everyday
Very rare. Most likely encountered in novels, poetry, or documentaries about ships.
Technical
Standard term in nautical engineering, shipbuilding, and naval architecture.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “prow”
- Misspelling as 'pro' or 'prowe'.
- Confusing with 'prawn' (shrimp).
- Using it for the front of a car (use 'bonnet'/'hood' or 'front end').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, specialised word most common in literary or nautical contexts.
They are synonyms. 'Prow' often has a more literary or traditional feel, while 'bow' (/baʊ/) is the standard technical term.
Yes, in technical or descriptive language, the front section of an aircraft fuselage is sometimes called its prow.
It rhymes with 'now' and 'cow' (/praʊ/). It does not rhyme with 'pro' (/prəʊ/).
The front part of a ship or boat.
Prow is usually literary, poetic, technical (nautical contexts). in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[to be/stand] at the prow of [something (fig.)] = to be at the forefront/leading edge of a movement or activity.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PROUD ship with its head held high, cutting through the waves – the PROW is its proud front.
Conceptual Metaphor
LEADERSHIP IS BEING AT THE FRONT OF A SHIP (e.g., 'at the prow of the industry').
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the word 'prow' LEAST likely to be used?