American English pronunciation
How to pronounce kowtow
IPA transcription: ['kaʊ'taʊ]
Pronunciation variants: ['kaʊ'taʊ]['koʊ'toʊ]
Hear “kowtow” pronounced
['kaʊ'taʊ]
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Noun
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a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission
Verb
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bend the knees and bow in a servile manner
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try to gain favor by cringing or flattering
“He is always kowtowing to his boss”