Basic Details
Word: Arrow
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A thin, straight stick with a sharp point, shot from a bow. It also means a sign shaped like this that shows a direction.
Synonyms: dart, shaft, pointer
How to Spell Arrow
Syllables: ar - row
Tricky part: It has a double r and ends in ow, with no e after the w.
Watch out for: arow, arrowe, arro
Memory tip: The two r's are like the two feathers at the back of an arrow, and ow is what you say if one hits you.
Idioms and Phrases
- Straight as an arrow: Perfectly straight; used of a person, completely honest. Example: "The new highway runs straight as an arrow through the fields."
Usage Examples
Example 1: Follow the red arrows to reach the science exhibition.
Example 2: The archer pulled back the string and let the arrow fly.
Example 3: Press the down arrow key to move to the next line.
Fun Fact
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna wins Draupadi's hand by shooting an arrow into the eye of a fish turning above him, while looking only at its reflection in water.
Practise the CREST Way
Spell-o-Spell
Only one word in the list is spelt correctly. Choose the meaning of that word.
1. arrow 2. targit 3. archary 4. quivver
a) the sport of shooting with a bow
b) a thing you aim at
c) a pointed stick shot from a bow
d) a case for carrying arrows
Show answer
c) a pointed stick shot from a bow. Arrow is correct; quiver, target and archery have each been misspelt.
Word Cookie
Insert the correct pair of letters to form a word:
a_ro_
a) e, w
b) r, e
c) r, w
d) w, r
Show answer
c) r, w. The r is doubled, and the word finishes with ow.
Mingle-Mangle
Unjumble the word in the sentence and choose it:
The signboard had a big red wrroa pointing towards the exit.
a) harrow
b) narrow
c) arrow
d) arrows
Show answer
c) arrow. Narrow, harrow and arrows each need one more letter; five letters give arrow.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. On a map or a road sign, an arrow usually shows ____.
a) height
b) weather
c) population
d) direction
Show answer
d) direction
2. Which word names a person who shoots arrows?
a) armour
b) archer
c) arbiter
d) anchor
Show answer
b) archer
