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Definitions

kowtow

[kou-tou, -tou, koh-] / ˈkaʊˈtaʊ, -ˌtaʊ, ˈkoʊ- /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For that reason, Iran’s officers may feel no compulsion to kowtow to Beijing.

From Slate • May 7, 2026

Mighty Miranda must kowtow to the luxury brands and their ambassadors, whose sponsorship keeps Runway strutting, including the once-harried and humiliated Emily, who is now an executive at Dior.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

Smaller domestic military budgets also reduce the need for companies to kowtow to politicians by maintaining unprofitable operations in their districts or supporting civilian projects.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

Zara doesn't automatically kowtow to workplace hierarchies, either.

From Salon • Sep. 2, 2023

The little girl threw herself on the ground in a trembling kowtow before the beast.

From "Where the Mountain Meets the Moon" by Grace Lin




Vocabulary lists containing kowtow


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