Bowlegged - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT bowlegged /ˈboʊlɛgɪd/ /ˈbʌʊlɛgɪd/ IPA guide

If a person is bowlegged, he or she suffers from a condition that causes the thigh bones to curve out instead of being straight. Some people look temporarily bowlegged after riding a horse.

The adjective bowlegged can describe a medical condition and also a habit of standing in a certain posture. There are some causes of being bowlegged that can be treated, especially in childhood. Often toddlers who are new to walking stand in a bowlegged position — this is rarely serious, and it corrects itself as their legs get stronger. The word bowlegged comes from the way the legs curve, in the shape of a bow.

Definitions of bowlegged

adjective have legs that curve outward at the knees synonyms: bandy, bandy-legged, bowed, bowleg unfit not in good physical or mental condition; out of condition

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Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘bowlegged'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family 2 million people are mastering new words. Master a word

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