# crossbow

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈkɹɒsbəʊ/ · frequency rank #27,107

## Definitions
1. A mechanised weapon, based on the bow and arrow, that shoots bolts.
2. A portable ballista that can be held in the hand.

## Etymology
From Middle English crosbowe, crossebowe, equivalent to cross + bow.

## Easily confused with
- **crossbar** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/crossbar-vs-crossbow)

## Common misspellings (11)
`ccrossbow`, `corssbow`, `crosbow`, `crosbsow`, `crossbbow`, `crossboww`, `crossbwo`, `crossobw`, `crrossbow`, `crsosbow`, `rcossbow`

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