to move your head or the top half of your body forwards and downwards as a sign of respect or to say hello or goodbye
Example:
- He bowed low to the assembled crowd.
- The people all bowed down before the emperor.
Extra examples:
- He swept off his hat and bowed deeply to the queen.
- The emperor's subjects bowed down before him.
- The pianist stood up and bowed to the audience.
to move your head forwards and downwards
Example:
- She bowed her head in shame.
- They stood in silence with their heads bowed.
to bend or make something bend
Example:
- The pines bowed in the wind.
- Their backs were bowed under the weight of their packs.