# bolt vs bow

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### bolt
*noun · IPA /bɒlt/ · frequency rank #6,659*
A (usually) metal fastener consisting of a cylindrical body that is threaded, with a larger head on one end. It can be inserted into an unthreaded hole up to the head, with a nut then threaded on the other end; a heavy machine screw.

### bow
*noun · IPA /bəʊ/ · frequency rank #4,287*
A weapon made of a curved piece of wood or other flexible material whose ends are connected by a string, used for shooting arrows.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/bolt-vs-bow