WordGarden.iobolt
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /bˈəʊlt/
US
- /ˈboʊlt/
Meanings
Noun
a metal pin or bar used to fasten or lock something
a flash or stroke of lightning
Verb
to run away or move suddenly and quickly
to fasten or secure with a bolt
to eat very quickly
Beyond the definition
A bolt can be something you use to hold things together—like the metal piece that secures your bike seat. But it also describes a sudden, energetic dash, as in "He bolted from the room when he heard the news." This word also refers to a flash of lightning or the sliding metal bar used to lock a door. Think of a speedy horse bolting across a field or a heavy door being secured with a strong bolt.
The word traces back to Old English, originally referring to a heavy arrow or crossbow missile. This explains why so many of its meanings involve speed and directness—a bolt is something that moves quickly and powerfully! You might say someone "bolts down" their food when they are in a rush, or that a startled animal bolted into the woods to escape. Whether it's a physical object or a rapid action, a bolt implies strength or speed.
The word "bolt" is surprisingly versatile, carrying several distinct meanings across various contexts. Most commonly, a bolt refers to a metal pin or screw, usually used with a nut, to fasten heavy objects together. These are essential in construction, holding together everything from furniture to the massive steel frames of bridges. Closely related is the "deadbolt" or door bolt—the sliding part of a lock that provides security. "He bolted the door shut before heading to bed."
Beyond physical fasteners, "bolt" describes a sudden, rapid movement. If startled, a horse might bolt away from a loud noise. Similarly, an athlete might bolt from the starting blocks. This sense of speed is also captured in the phrase "bolt upright," describing someone sitting up suddenly in bed. It can even be used for consumption: to "bolt" your food means to swallow it hurriedly without chewing properly.
In the natural world, a bolt is a discharge of lightning—a flash sometimes called a "bolt from the blue." This phrase also serves as an idiom for a complete surprise. In the world of textiles, a "bolt" refers to a full roll of fabric as it comes from the factory. Even gardeners use the term; when a plant (like lettuce or broccoli) "bolts," it grows too quickly and goes to seed prematurely, often due to heat.
So, whether you are discussing engineering, track and field, weather, or even sewing, the word bolt consistently represents themes of fastening, swiftness, and sudden, powerful energy.
Examples
- 1
Sudden escape
When the alarm went off, people bolted for the exit.
- 2
Pet escape
My dog bolted out the door the second it opened.
- 3
Door security
She bolted the door before going to bed.
- Patternbolt + door/gate
lock or secure it with a metal bar or latch
- 4
Door hardware
The old gate has a heavy iron bolt on the inside.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Fasteners
One of the bolts holding the table together was missing.
- 6
Lightning
A bolt of lightning hit the tree behind the house.
- Phrasebolt of lightning
a sudden flash of lightning
- 7
Eating quickly
He bolted his dinner and rushed back to work.
- Patternbolt + food
eat it very quickly
- 8
Sudden posture
She sat bolt upright in bed when she heard the crash.
- Phrasebolt upright
suddenly in a very straight position
- 9
Practical details
Let's skip the introductions and get down to the nuts and bolts of the plan.
- Phrasenuts and bolts
the basic practical details
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- boltnounverbadverb
Forms
- boltspluralnounverbadverb
- boltedpast tenseverbnounadverb
- bolting-ing formverbnounadverb