Search Dictionary
Definition of cower

cower

/ˈkaʊ.ər/
cow · er
Adverb:coweringly
•
Adjective:cowering
•
Past Simple:cowered
•
Past Participle:cowered
•
Present Participle:cowering
JUMP TO:

cower Lexical Profile

cower Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To crouch down or shrink back in fear, distress, or submission.

Example

"The stray dog began to cower under the porch when the thunder rumbled overhead."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for cower
Antonyms
View all antonyms for cower

• Rhymes for cower

• Nearby Words

cowbird
cowboy
cowcatcher
cower
cowfish
cowgirl
cowhand

Word Origin & Etymology

Entered Middle English as 'couren', likely borrowed from a Scandinavian or Middle Low German source (such as Middle Low German 'kuren', meaning 'to lie in wait' or 'crouch').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cower. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cower
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.