nocks

Bowstring-fitting slots

Nocks are the grooves or notches at the ends of an arrow—one at the rear for fitting onto the bowstring, sometimes one at the front for the arrowhead.

The term also applies to the notches at the tips of a bow where the string attaches.

To nock an arrow is to fit it onto the string in preparation for shooting: She nocked an arrow and drew back the bow.

archery

arrow

Pointed shaft for shooting

bowstringCord spanning weapon's curve
fletchingArrow stabilizing feathers
quiverTrembling or arrow case

shaft · archer · broadhead · vane · cresting · spine · insert · tang · feather · arrowhead

fitting

groove

Narrow cut or routine

notchV-shaped incision
slotNarrow slit for insertion
clipCut or attach

snap · seat · align · index · position · secure · attach · click · engage · orient

bows

recurve

Bend back again

compoundCombined into one
longbowTall wooden archery weapon
crossbowStock-mounted bow mechanism

bowstring · riser · limbs · grip · tiller · brace · yew · cam · notch · traditional

Opposites

arrow anatomy/function

nockspoints

Units of tally

arrowheads · tips · broadheads · piles · blunts

bow equipment position

nocksbowstrings

Archer's tensioned cords

strings · risers · grips

Family

nock, nocked, nocking

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G