The bow is the foremost part of a ship or boat. It is designed to reduce the resistance of the vessel as it moves through water and to enhance its stability. The bow is shaped in a pointed, narrow manner, cutting through the water and preventing the waves from hitting the boat directly. Distinctive parts of the bow include the stem (the foremost steel part on the bow), hawsepipe (the hole through which the anchor chain passes), and the forecastle deck (the upper deck stretching over the bow). From a navigational perspective, the bow provides a vantage point with a wide view, helping to detect any obstacles in the water ahead.

1. As we sailed towards the horizon, dolphins started playfully jumping in front of the bow of our boat. 2. The bow of the ship was carefully designed to cut the water smoothly, enabling the large vessel to progress at speed even in rough conditions. 3. The Titanic was said to have hit an iceberg with its bow, causing the infamous disaster. 4. The bow of the rowboat had a special compartment designed to hold various fishing necessities. 5. He stood at the bow of the ship, watching the sun rise over the endless sea, feeling the wind on his face.

The term "bow” comes from the Old English term "bog" or "boge" meaning "shoulder", which refers to the "shoulders" of the boat. In naval terms, the bow is designed specifically to reduce the resistance of the hull cutting through water and should be tall enough to prevent water from easily washing over the top of it. Interestingly, the front of the boat is called the bow because, as it moves forward, it was seen to be similar to an archer’s bow leading the path of the arrow. Not only does the structure of the bow determine the speed of the vessel, but it can also influence the stability of the boat in different sea conditions.