as in refuge
something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger
her cottage in the Lake District served as her bolt-hole whenever the stresses of London became too great
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bolt-hole
But other bolt-holes stand out for giving the beds themselves extra attention, distinguishing them in some particularly charming or even surreal way (see beds carved out of literal ice).
—
Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 9 Mar. 2026
One of the first, exclusive members-only social clubs, Soho House debuted in London in 1995 and quickly became the bolt-hole of choice for celebrities and the deep-pocketed.
—Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026
And for those familiar with the region, their bolt-hole of choice was no surprise: Estelle Manor in Oxfordshire.
—Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 6 Feb. 2026
His magical renovation of Villa Mabrouka—the late Yves Saint Laurent's Tangier bolt-hole, with a Slim Aarons–worthy kidney-bean pool just outside the casbah—is as immaculately dressed down as an insouciant white linen shirt.
—Stephanie Rafanelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2023
Around that time, some smaller properties also debuted — boutique charmers like Castello di Vicarello, Borgo Santo Pietro, Villa Fontelunga, and the Val d'Orcia bolt-hole La Bandita Country Hotel.
—Lee Marshall, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2023
Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 9 Mar. 2026
One of the first, exclusive members-only social clubs, Soho House debuted in London in 1995 and quickly became the bolt-hole of choice for celebrities and the deep-pocketed.
—Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026
And for those familiar with the region, their bolt-hole of choice was no surprise: Estelle Manor in Oxfordshire.
—Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 6 Feb. 2026
His magical renovation of Villa Mabrouka—the late Yves Saint Laurent's Tangier bolt-hole, with a Slim Aarons–worthy kidney-bean pool just outside the casbah—is as immaculately dressed down as an insouciant white linen shirt.
—Stephanie Rafanelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2023
Around that time, some smaller properties also debuted — boutique charmers like Castello di Vicarello, Borgo Santo Pietro, Villa Fontelunga, and the Val d'Orcia bolt-hole La Bandita Country Hotel.
—Lee Marshall, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolt-hole
Noun
-
Hyde Park residents and advocates fear an Army Corps erosion plan to protect the lakefront could harm the rare natural refuge in Hyde Park.—
Christiana Freitag,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Mar. 2026
-
If unable to reach a secure shelter, either crouch down in your car, covering your head, or abandon the vehicle and seek refuge in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Altogether, service is low‑key and functional rather than reverential—more practical help, less concierge fanfare—which actually fits the retreat’s stripped‑down, results-first vibe.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Owned by Kampgrounds of America (KOA), this glamping retreat ten minutes from the entrance to Acadia National Park has 64 secluded canvas-and-wood tents set among the trees.—
The Editors,
Outside,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Iran kept up its wave of attacks launched at Israel that have sent millions of people to shelters, with sirens sounding across a wide swath of the north, from Haifa to the Galilee to the border with Lebanon.—
DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS,
Arkansas Online,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Well before the Bellevue shelter reached its current state, people were trying to shut it down.—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
That's the definition of what's prohibited by sanctuary.—
Kenny Choi,
CBS News,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Framed by geometric breeze blocks that evoke classic midcentury cool, the patio offers a stylish sanctuary for evening relaxation, featuring a fringed hammock and cozy rattan seating.—
Bailey Berg,
Architectural Digest,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Brews and Views Wrap up the weekend at the Piedmont Brewery & Kitchen, a country smokehouse and craft-beer haven.—
Rafael Peña,
Miami Herald,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of providing a safe haven for militants who carry out attacks inside Pakistan, especially for the Pakistani Taliban.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bolt-hole.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolt-hole. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
