bowl over

verb

bowled over; bowling over; bowls over

transitive verb

1
: to take unawares
2

Examples of bowl over in a Sentence

she was bowled over to learn that she had a long-lost sister
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Brady Tkachuk bowled over 6-foot-6 Niko Mikkola with one of his game-high eight hits, and Matthew Tkachuk gave Patrik Laine an earful before a faceoff as the Americans began to take over. Stephen Whyno, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025 Place the bowl over the pot and cook, stirring continuously, until the mixture is fully melted and satiny smooth, about 5 minutes. Janice Feuer Haugen, Saveur, 12 Feb. 2025 The Bruins don’t have to trade Coyle and probably won’t unless they’re bowled over with an offer, especially to a division rival. Jonas Siegel, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025 Rescue workers have been searching for survivors amid the debris of shantytowns bowled over by 200 kph (124 mph) winds. Reuters, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for bowl over

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bowl over was in 1867

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bowl over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bowl%20over. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

bowl over

verb
1
: to hit and knock down while quickly moving past
2
: to greatly surprise or impress
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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