The bowline (/ˈboʊlɪn/ or /ˈboʊlaɪn/)[2] is an ancient and simple knot used to form a fixed loop at the end of a rope.

Although the bowline is generally considered a reliable knot, its main deficiencies are a tendency to work loose when not under load (or under cyclic loading),[4][5] to slip when pulled sideways,[6] and the bight portion of the knot to capsize in certain circumstances.

"[10][a] Another possible finding was discovered on the rigging of the Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu's solar ship during an excavation in 1954.

As such, a person needing rescue could hold onto the rope with one hand and use the other to tie the knot around their waist before being pulled to safety by rescuers.

The Federal Aviation Administration recommends the bowline knot for tying down light aircraft.

In the United Kingdom, the knot is listed as part of the training objectives for the Qualified Firefighter Assessment.

[13] A mnemonic used to teach the tying of the bowline is to imagine the working end of the rope as a rabbit.

As noted above, the simplicity of the bowline makes it a good knot for a general purpose end-of-line loop.

A running bowline can be used to make a noose which draws tighter as tension is placed on the standing part of the rope.