akimbo
|a-kim-bo|
B2
🇺🇸
/əˈkɪm.boʊ/
🇬🇧
/əˈkɪm.bəʊ/
hands on hips
Etymology
Etymology Information
'akimbo' originates from Middle English, specifically the phrase 'in kenebowe,' where 'ken' meant 'keen' and 'bowe' meant 'bow.'
Historical Evolution
'in kenebowe' transformed into the modern English word 'akimbo.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'bent at an angle,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'with hands on hips and elbows turned outward.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
with hands on the hips and elbows turned outward.
She stood akimbo, surveying the room with a critical eye.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/06/10 16:52