Bowls Meaning: Definition and Examples
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bowls
[boΚlz ]
Definitions
dinnerware
Bowls are round, deep dishes used for holding food or liquids. They are typically wider than they are tall and can be made from various materials including ceramic, glass, or plastic.
Synonyms
bowl, container, dish, receptacle.
Examples of usage
- She served the soup in beautiful ceramic bowls.
- The salad was tossed in a large mixing bowl.
- He ate his cereal from a colorful plastic bowl.
- We placed the fruit in a wooden bowl on the table.
sports
In sports, 'bowls' refers to a game played on a level green where players roll biased balls, known as bowls, toward a target ball called a jack. It is a popular outdoor and indoor game in many countries.
Synonyms
bocce, curling, lawn bowls.
Examples of usage
- They play lawn bowls every Saturday at the local club.
- He represented his country in the international bowls competition.
- The players gathered around the green to practice their bowls.
- Bowls is a relaxing sport suitable for all ages.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- Bowls have been used by humans since ancient times, with the oldest known bowls dating back to around 20,000 years ago in China.
- The design of bowls has evolved across cultures, with ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Greeks creating unique styles that reflect their art.
- Traditional Native American pottery often includes bowls designed for ceremonial purposes, showcasing both utility and artistry.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, bowls symbolize nourishment and community, as food is often shared from a communal bowl during meals.
- In Japanese culture, a specific type of bowl called 'donburi' is used to serve rice dishes, highlighting the centrality of rice in their diet.
- Ceramic bowls are often used in South Asian cooking for their ability to withstand high temperatures and for traditional serving methods.
Art and Design
- Bowls are popular subjects in art, with famous paintings like 'Still Life with Apples and a Bowl' by Paul CΓ©zanne highlighting their aesthetic appeal.
- Artists around the world create decorative bowls that can be purely artistic or functional, exemplifying the marriage of utility and aesthetics.
- In many cultures, bowls are hand-painted or intricately designed, often telling a story or representing local traditions.
Science
- The shape of a bowl influences how food is mixed or served; for example, a round bowl helps liquids circulate evenly.
- Researchers have studied how the design of bowls can affect our perception of portion sizes, impacting how much we eat.
- Dishware materials, such as glass vs. ceramic, can influence the taste of food, with some studies suggesting certain materials enhance flavors.
Sports
- Bowls is a popular lawn game where players aim to get their balls closest to a target ball, combining skill and strategy.
- The sport of bowling, on the other hand, involves rolling a heavy ball towards pins, showcasing another fun aspect of using balls and bowls.
- In the culinary world, 'bowl food' has become trendy, with many restaurants serving meals designed to be eaten from a bowl, combining flavors and ingredients.
Origin of 'bowls'
The word 'bowl' originates from the Old English 'bolla', which means 'a rounded vessel'. The term has Indo-European roots, with connections to the Latin 'bulla', meaning 'bubble' or 'knob'. Over centuries, the design and function of bowls have evolved, expanding from basic utilitarian objects to intricate and decorative pieces reflecting artistic expression. Bowls have been integral in various cultures for serving food and have been crafted from materials like wood, clay, metal, and glass, each reflecting the technological and artistic advances of the time. The sports connotation of 'bowls' derives from its distinct play style, emphasizing precision and strategy, further showcasing the word's versatility.