1 C1 formal
To escort or welcome someone into a place while bowing as a show of respect.
"The butler bowed the ambassador in with great ceremony."
separable
bow in
C1 formal separable transitive
To welcome or escort someone into a place with a bow as a gesture of deep respect.
In plain English
To greet someone by bowing and showing them into a room or place.
What does "bow in" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To bow (bend the body) while moving or guiding someone inward.
Actually means
To greet someone by bowing and showing them into a room or place.
Usage tip
Relatively rare. Most often used in formal, ceremonial, or literary contexts, particularly in descriptions of traditional or East Asian customs. Can also be used humorously.
Words that pair with "bow in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
guest dignitary visitor respectfully ceremoniously
How to conjugate "bow in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bow in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bows in
he/she/it
Past simple
bowed in
yesterday
Past participle
bowed in
have + pp
-ing form
bowing in
continuous
Hear "bow in" in the wild
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Other ways to say "bow in"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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