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Meaning & use

arrows

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈærəʊz/
US/ˈæroʊz/

“arrows” is a form of “arrow”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. nouncountable

    Thin sticks with a pointed end, shot from a bow.

    Grammar: Countable noun; use a/an or a number with the singular, and -s for more than one: one arrow, two arrows.

    Patterns

    • shoot arrows
    • a quiver of arrows
    • arrows and bows

    The archers shot their arrows at the target.

    He kept a dozen arrows in a leather case.

    In the museum we saw arrows used by hunters long ago.

  2. nouncountable

    Printed or drawn signs shaped like a line with a pointed end, showing direction.

    Grammar: Countable; often used in the plural for signs on roads or in buildings.

    Patterns

    • follow the arrows
    • arrows point to something
    • direction arrows

    Follow the arrows to find the exit.

    The arrows on the map show which way the river flows.

  3. nouncountable

    The small marks (→ or ←) used in writing to show a direction, a change, or a connection.

    Grammar: Countable; usually plural when talking about a set of marks in a text or diagram.

    Patterns

    • use arrows to show
    • arrows between words

    The teacher drew arrows between the two ideas to show the link.

    In the diagram, arrows indicate the flow of electricity.

Word forms

singulararrow

Common combinations

shoot an arrow
She shot an arrow straight into the center of the target.
follow the arrows
Just follow the arrows and you'll reach the ticket office.
an arrow points at
An arrow points at the part of the engine that needs oil.
a bow and arrow
Archery uses a bow and arrow.
arrow key
Press the arrow key to move the cursor.

Synonyms and how they differ

dart
A dart is a small, light pointed object thrown by hand or shot from a gun, not from a bow.
sign
Sign is a general word for anything that gives information; an arrow is one specific directional shape.

Word family

arrowhead noun
The pointed tip of an arrow.
arrowroot noun
A type of starch from a tropical plant, used in cooking.

Commonly confused: arrows or error?

arrows vs error

Arrow and error sound somewhat similar but mean very different things; an error is a mistake.

Practice

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