n. 1 a a usu. round deep basin used for food or liquid. b the quantity (of soup etc.) a bowl holds. c the contents of a bowl. 2 a any deep-sided container shaped like a bowl (lavatory bowl). b the bowl-shaped part of a tobacco-pipe, spoon, balance, etc. 3 esp. US a bowl-shaped region or building, esp. an amphitheatre (Hollywood Bowl). bowlful n. (pl. -fuls).
[ OE bolle, bolla, f. Gmc ]