Definition of kowtow Kowtow

/kawˈtawˈ/ - [kawtaw] - kow•tow

We found 10 definitions of kowtow from 5 different sources.

What does kowtow mean?

WordNet

Noun Plural: kowtows
kowtow - a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission
		kotow
		bowing, obeisance, bow managing the bow in playing a stringed instrument; "the violinist's bowing was excellent"

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Wiktionary

kowtow (Noun)
The act of kowtowing.
kowtow (Verb)
To kneel and bow low enough to touch one’s forehead to the ground.
kowtow (Verb)
To bow very deeply.
kowtow (Verb)
To act in a very submissive manner.

Webster DictionaryWebster's Unabridged Dictionary 📘

kowtow (n. & v. i.)
The same as Kotow.

OmegaWiki DictionaryOmegaWiki Dictionary Ω

kowtow
An act of respect common in Imperial China which consists of kneeling down and bowing so low as to touch the head to the ground.
kowtow
To kneel and bow so low as to touch one’s forehead to the ground in expression of respect, worship, or submission.
kowtow
To act in a very submissive manner.

Part of speech

🔤

kowtow, verb, present, 1st person singular of kowtow (infinitive).
kowtow, verb (infinitive).
kowtow, noun, singular of kowtows.

Pronunciation

Word frequency

Kowtow is...

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Common

Sign Language

kowtow in sign language

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