Bowls are a type of dishware that are typically round and shallow, with a curved bottom and no handle. They are commonly used for holding food, such as soup, cereal, or salad, but can also be used for decorative purposes or as a musical instrument.
Definitions
The definition of bowls varies slightly depending on the context. In general, a bowl is a round, open container with a flat bottom and curved sides. It can be made from a variety of materials, including ceramic, glass, metal, or plastic.
In sports, bowls refers to a game played on a lawn or indoor surface, where players roll a ball towards a target known as the jack.
In music, a bowl can refer to a type of percussion instrument made from a metal or ceramic bowl that is struck with a mallet or other object to produce a ringing sound.
Origin
The use of bowls as a container dates back to ancient times, with evidence of bowl-like vessels found in archaeological sites around the world. The word “bowl” comes from the Old English word “bolla,” which means a rounded container or vessel.
The game of bowls is thought to have originated in ancient Egypt, where it was played with stones or balls on a flat surface. It later spread to other parts of the world, including Greece, Rome, and eventually England, where it became a popular pastime in the 16th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of bowls can vary slightly depending on the dictionary. In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a bowl is defined as “a concave usually nearly hemispherical vessel.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a round, deep dish or basin used for holding food or liquid.”
Associations
Bowls are often associated with food, particularly soup, cereal, or salad. They can also be used for decorative purposes, such as holding potpourri or serving as a centerpiece.
In sports, bowls is associated with a leisurely, outdoor activity that requires skill and strategy. It is often played by older adults, but can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Synonyms
Synonyms for bowls include dish, basin, container, pot, and receptacle.
Antonyms
Antonyms for bowls include flat, shallow, and plate.
The same root words
Words that share the same root as bowls include bollard, bolus, and bola.
Example Sentences
Here are a few example sentences that use the word bowls:
- I love eating soup out of a big, steaming bowl.
- The lawn bowls tournament was held on a sunny day in the park.
- The musician played the singing bowl to create a calming, meditative sound.
- The potter carefully crafted each bowl by hand, shaping the clay into a perfect curve.
- The cat knocked over the bowl of water, spilling it all over the floor.