n. A low-standing concave vessel used for various domestic and other purposes, chiefly for holding liquids or liquid food.n. More specificallyn. A large drinking-cup; a goblet: in this sense now chiefly figurative, as an emblem of festivity or dissipation.n. Anything having the general shape or use of a bowl, as a natural depression in the ground, the pound or central portion of a fishing-weir, the hollow or containing part of a vessel or utensil having a stem or a handle, etc.: as, the bowl of a chalice, a spoon, or a tobacco-pipe.n. A ball; any sphere or globe.n. A large solid ball of hard wood used in playing the game of bowls on a level plat of greensward called a bowling-green, orn. the game of skittles or ninepins on a long, floored surface of wood called a bowling-alley. (See bowls.)n. A turn at a game of bowls: as, it is his bowl next.n. 4 (pron. böl). A marble used by boys in play; in the plural, the game itself.n. In a knitting-machine, the roller or antifriction wheel on which the carriage traverses.n. One of the buoys or floats used by herring-fishers about Yarmouth, England, to support, the drift-net and keep its edge uppermost. These bowls are colored to mark the divisions of the fleet of nets.To play with bowls or at bowling: as, “challenge her to bowl,” Shak., L. L. L., iv.To roll a bowl, as in the game of bowls.To deliver the ball to be played by the batsman at cricket.To move horizontally, with a rapid and easy motion, like a ball: as, the carriage bowled along.To roll or trundle, as a bowl.To pelt with or as with bowls.n. The main cylinder or drum of a calico-printing machine, against which are pressed the engraved copper rollers; a calender-roller.n. An antifriction roller in the pedal-motion of the feeding-device of a cotton-scutcher or picking-machine.