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.
The strike also bowled over around 100 head of cattle that had bunched around the trailer loaded with hay, said Crocket. Jesse Bedayn, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2024 Having said that, Ray auditioned for the role, and I was just absolutely bowled over by his audition. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Oct. 2024 Initially slightly apprehensive about filming in Saudi Arabia, .Paak said he was bowled over by the beauty of AlUla, the people and the professionalism of the crews there. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2024 Opposing offenses bowled over the Trojans weekly, piling up an average of 186 yards per game on the ground. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 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

Dictionary Entries Near bowl over

Cite this Entry

“Bowl over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bowl%20over. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

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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