bowie knife

[ boh-ee, boo-ee ]

noun

1. a heavy sheath knife having a long, single-edged blade.

bowie knife

/ ˈbəʊɪ /

noun

1. a stout hunting knife with a short hilt and a guard for the hand

Word History and Origins

Origin of bowie knife¹

1830–40, Americanism; named after James Bowie, for whom the knife was designed, either by James or his brother Rezin P. Bowie (1793–1841)

Word History and Origins

Origin of bowie knife¹

C19: named after Jim Bowie , who popularized it

Example Sentences

Of course, assault rifles are far more dangerous than Bowie knives, with a vastly different range for inflicting harm.

From Los Angeles Times

And he returned to an analogy he made previously, comparing the AR-15 to Bowie knives.

From Seattle Times

Other historical targets of regulation have included long-bladed Bowie knives and the Thompson submachine gun, or Tommy gun, popular with gangsters in the years after World War I.

From Washington Times

Lewis showed Bragg the pistol he kept under his pillow in a bedroom pockmarked with bullet holes and a Bowie knife stuck in the door.

From Reuters

He also allegedly got tactical gloves, a bulletproof vest and a Bowie knife, often used for hunting or in combat.

From Seattle Times