Arrows refers to multiple instances of a curved projectile weapon used for hunting or sport, as well as the symbol in typography or signaling that indicates direction. The word is plural, derived from the simple noun arrow, and commonly appears in both literal and metaphorical contexts (e.g., pointing arrows on a map). In everyday usage, it denotes more than one arrow.
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"The archers lined up their arrows and prepared for the target practice."
"Traffic signs use arrows to indicate turns and lanes."
"She followed the dotted arrows on the map to reach the trailhead."
"In the diagram, red arrows show the flow of electricity through the circuit."
The word arrows comes from the Old English ærran, a plural form related to earp, and the Proto-Germanic *arō-, which denotes a shaft or spearhead. The modern plural arrows is formed with the -ow- pluralization pattern akin to borrow/borrowed, and the plural s suffixed to arrows. Historically, arrows referred specifically to shafted projectiles fired from a bow. Over time, the term broadened to include metaphorical arrows in diagrams or maps (directional arrows). The first known uses appear in medieval English texts, where hunts and archery were common practices. By the 14th century, arrows appeared in illustrated bestiaries and military manuals, and by the 16th century, the term was well established in literature, translating into multiple European languages with cognate forms. The semantic shift toward symbolic or directional uses began as cartographic and doctrinal illustrations proliferated, embedding arrows as a universal sign of movement and vector, long before modern digital icons; this lineage is evident in technical manuals, UI design, and signage today.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "arrows" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "arrows" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "arrows"
-ows sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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Pronounce as /ˈær.oʊz/ in US and /ˈær.əʊz/ in UK. The first syllable is stressed; the 'arrow' part carries the /oʊ/ or /əʊ/ diphthong, ending with a voiced /z/. Keep the lips rounded slightly for /oʊ/ and finish with a clear /z/ sound. You can hear examples in dictionaries or pronunciation sites by searching for 'arrows pronunciation'.
Two frequent errors: (1) Not fully voicing the final /z/, making it sound like /ˈær.oʊ/ or /ˈær.əʊ/ without the voiced z; (2) Substituting the second syllable with a short /ə/ or not fully forming the /oʊ/ or /əʊ/ diphthong, producing /ˈæroʊz/ or /ˈær.ɒz/. Correction: ensure the second syllable has the accurate diphthong and end with a crisp, voiced /z/. Practicing with minimal pairs and recording helps confirm the final consonant’s voice.
US: /ˈær.oʊz/ with a clear /oʊ/ and rhotic r preceding the vowel. UK: /ˈær.əʊz/ with a non-rhotic r and a longer /əʊ/ glide; AU: /ˈæɹ.əʊz/ often rhotic-like in careful speech, but many Aussies simplify to /ˈæɹ.əʊz/ or /ˈæɹ.oʊz/, with vowel merging in rapid speech. In practice, relax the r coloring slightly in UK/AU; keep the final /z/ voiced in all.
The challenge lies in the two-part vowel sequence: the first syllable /ˈær/ demands a crisp, short /æ/ followed by a distinct /r/ or rhotacized articulation, while the second syllable /oʊ/ or /əʊ/ requires a precise glide into a rounded vowel, all ending with a voiced /z/. The transition between /r/ and the diphthong can be tricky for non-native speakers. Practice with slow, deliberate articulation and then increase speed while maintaining the final voiced /z/.
The word features a two-syllable structure with a stressed first syllable and a second syllable containing a rounded diphthong. The plural ending /z/ remains audible, distinguishing it from similar-sounding words like 'arrows' vs 'arrows' (as verb forms are not relevant here). Focus on the consonant cluster between the first and second syllable and ensure the /r/ in US is pronounced with tip-of-torking tongue near the alveolar ridge while UK often reduces the rhotic sound.
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