(bōl) noun
1. A concave domestic vessel, nearly hemispherical and larger than a cup.
2. The amount it will hold.
3. A drinking-vessel for wine, etc.
4. A large goblet.
5. Anything shaped like a bowl, as a stadium. ◆ Homophone: bole. [OE bolla]

(bōl) v.t.
1. To strike or hit with or as with a bowl; knock down.
2. To roll (a ball).
3. To carry or transport on or as on wheels.
4. In cricket, to put out (the batsman): with out.
—v.i.
5. To play at bowls.
6. To throw or roll a bowl or round object.
7. In cricket, to deliver the ball to the batsman.
8. To move smoothly and swiftly: usually with along: The ship bowled along.
—to bowl over To cause to be confused or helpless; knock down or out.
—noun
1. A large wooden ball for playing bowls or tenpins.
2. A turn or inning at a game of bowls.
3. A roller in a knitting machine. ◆ Homophone: bole. [<F boule ball <L bulla bubble]