bow wave [bou] ExamplesWord Origin noun
- the wave generated on either side of a vessel’s bow by its forward movement through the water.
- a type of shock wave formed in front of a body moving at supersonic speed.
Origin of bow wave First recorded in 1875–80 Examples from the Web for bow wave Historical Examples of bow wave
A moment later we heard the familiar rush of a destroyer’s bow-wave, and the ringing of her telegraph as she checked.
Gun running for Casement in the Easter rebellion, 1916
Karl Spindler
The prone gunman slid out of the wide double door, pushing a bow-wave of detergent before him.
William Fitzgerald Jenkins
In front you see the bow-wave and behind the body a phenomenon k which closely resembles the eddies formed in the wake of a ship.
Ernst Mach
No general attempt was made to disguise the bow, because the bow-wave was generally visible.
Matthew Luckiesh