A pipe bowl is a component of a smoking pipe used for smoking tobacco, dry herbs, or other smoking materials. It is part of the pipe where the smoking material is packed, lit, and burned. Pipe bowls are typically made of materials such as briar, meerschaum, clay, or corn cob. Briar is the most common material used for pipe bowls due to its durability, heat resistance, and ability to absorb moisture. Meerschaum is a softer and more porous material highly valued for its ability to enhance tobacco flavor. 

The pipe bowl usually has a round or oval-shaped chamber with a hole at the bottom where the smoke enters the pipe's stem. Some pipes have a small hole, called a carburetor or "carb," located on the side or top of the bowl to control the airflow and regulate the intensity of the smoke. Pipe bowls come in various shapes and sizes, with different designs and finishes. Some are plain and simple, while others are elaborately decorated or carved with intricate designs or patterns. The bowl of a pipe is an essential factor in determining the smoking experience, affecting factors such as the taste, aroma, and burn rate of the tobacco or other smoking material.