bowline

[ boh-lin, -lahyn ]

noun

1. Also called bowline knot. a knot used to make a nonslipping loop on the end of a rope.
2. Nautical. a rope made fast to the weather leech of a square sail, for keeping the sail as flat as possible when close-hauled.

bowline

/ ˈbəʊlɪn /

noun

1. a line for controlling the weather leech of a square sail when a vessel is close-hauled
2. on a bowline
   beating close to the wind
3. a knot used for securing a loop that will not slip at the end of a piece of rope

Word History and Origins

Origin of bowline¹

1275–1325; Middle English bouline, equivalent to bou- (perhaps boue bow ² ) + line line ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of bowline¹

C14: probably from Middle Low German bōlīne , equivalent to bow ³ + line ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on a bowline, Nautical. sailing close-hauled.
2. on an easy bowline, Nautical. close-hauled with sails well filled.

Example Sentences

They declared it was a proper berth for Mr. Bowditch—him with his tables of figures, long as main to bowline.

From Literature

Demonstrating her knowledge, and the skill she picked up as an 8-year-old, she looped a piece of microphone cable into a bowline knot.

From Washington Times

“That’s what we do — we fish,” he said, looping the bowline through his Bayliner’s starboard cleat as he was about to launch last Thursday, the first time in weeks.

From Washington Post

But while my adult leaders were teaching me how to tie a bowline hitch, adult leaders in other troops were preying on boys like me.

From New York Times

Though I spent the first half of my life sailing, I acquired none of the skills – I couldn’t even manage a bowline knot.

From The Guardian