Longbow Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🏹

Add to dictionary

longbow

[ˈlɒŋbəʊ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

weapon

A type of bow that is tall (roughly equal to the height of the person who uses it) and has a long range. Longbows were historically used in medieval warfare.

Synonyms

English longbow, war bow, yew bow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
longbow	This is a general term for a type of tall bow used for archery. It can be used in both historical and modern contexts. The archer drew back the longbow and aimed at the target. Longbows are popular among traditional archery enthusiasts.
yew bow	Use this term to specify a bow made from yew, a type of wood known for its strength and elasticity. This is often connected to historical bows but can also apply to modern craftsmanship. Many traditional archers prefer a yew bow for its superior performance. The craftsmanship of the yew bow was evident in its smooth draw and powerful shot.
war bow	This term is used when referencing bows that were specifically designed and used for warfare. It implies a historical and combative context. The warriors were equipped with war bows to defend their kingdom. Artifacts from the era include several well-preserved war bows.
English longbow	Use this when specifically referring to the longbow traditionally used in England, especially during the Medieval period. It's often associated with historical battles and cultural heritage. The English longbow played a crucial role in the Battle of Agincourt. Historians study English longbows to understand medieval warfare better.

Examples of usage

The English longbow played a crucial role in battles such as Agincourt.
Archers trained from a young age to master the art of using the longbow.
The longbow was known for its accuracy and power.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

archery

A type of bow used in archery competitions, characterized by its long limbs and traditional design.

Synonyms

recurve bow, traditional bow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
longbow	Longbows are traditional wooden bows known for their simplicity and power. They are commonly used in historical reenactments or traditional archery competitions. The archer skillfully shot the longbow at the target. He learned to craft a longbow from an experienced bowyer.
traditional bow	Traditional bows are a broad category encompassing various types of historical and culturally significant bows, including longbows and others. They are used for historical reenactments, traditional practices, and occasionally for hunting. His interest in history led him to collect traditional bows from different cultures. In the village, hunters prefer traditional bows for their quietness.
recurve bow	Recurve bows are modern bows used for target archery and in the Olympics. Their distinctive curved tips add power to the shot. These bows are often used by both amateur and professional archers. She bought a new recurve bow for the upcoming archery tournament. The coach recommended a recurve bow for his students.

Word

Description / Examples

longbow

Longbows are traditional wooden bows known for their simplicity and power. They are commonly used in historical reenactments or traditional archery competitions.

The archer skillfully shot the longbow at the target.
He learned to craft a longbow from an experienced bowyer.

traditional bow

Traditional bows are a broad category encompassing various types of historical and culturally significant bows, including longbows and others. They are used for historical reenactments, traditional practices, and occasionally for hunting.

His interest in history led him to collect traditional bows from different cultures.
In the village, hunters prefer traditional bows for their quietness.

recurve bow

Recurve bows are modern bows used for target archery and in the Olympics. Their distinctive curved tips add power to the shot. These bows are often used by both amateur and professional archers.

She bought a new recurve bow for the upcoming archery tournament.
The coach recommended a recurve bow for his students.

Examples of usage

She competed in the longbow division of the archery tournament.
The longbow requires a different technique than modern compound bows.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The longbow was first used in warfare by the English in the 12th century, becoming famous in battles like Agincourt.
Made primarily of yew wood, its design allows for greater power and range compared to shorter bows.

War and Strategy

Longbowmen played a crucial role in medieval warfare, as their ability to shoot multiple arrows quickly helped shape battlefield tactics.
The effectiveness of the longbow changed the dynamics of power, allowing common soldiers to challenge knights in armor.

Cultural References

The longbow is often associated with legends of Robin Hood, the famous outlaw who stole from the rich and gave to the poor.
In art and literature, longbows symbolize skill and precision, often representing the hero’s journey or struggle.

Construction and Materials

Crafting a longbow takes significant skill; traditional bows are shaped by hand and require careful selection of wood for durability and flexibility.
Modern longbows can be made from fiberglass and other materials, combining tradition with technology for better performance.

Recreation and Competitions

Archery competitions today still feature longbows, bringing a historical element to the modern sport.
Many archery clubs promote traditional longbow practices, teaching new generations the techniques of this ancient weapon.

Origin of 'longbow'

The longbow has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, particularly in England. It was a powerful weapon used in battles and hunting. The English longbow played a significant role in pivotal battles such as Agincourt, showcasing its effectiveness and accuracy. Over time, the longbow evolved into a traditional archery tool, admired for its elegance and skillful use in competitions.

See also: bough, bow, bowed, bowgun, bowing, unbowed.