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kowtow

noun verb

a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission

Quick reference

Word Facts

Word length
6
Starts with
K
Ends with
W
Contains
OW
Scrabble score
16
Database source
OEWN 2025 Core

How it sounds

Pronunciation

ˈkaʊˌtaʊ

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Audio Pronunciation

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Meaning

Definitions

noun

  1. a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission

verb

  1. try to gain favor by cringing or flattering

    “He is always kowtowing to his boss”

verb

  1. bend the knees and bow in a servile manner

In context

Example Sentences

He is always kowtowing to his boss

Similar words

Synonyms

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