bold

1 of 2

adjective

ˈbōld 

bolder; boldest

1

a

: fearless before danger : intrepid

the first bold explorers of space

b

: showing or requiring a fearless daring spirit

a bold plan

2

: impudent, presumptuous

punishing a bold child for talking back

If I may be so bold, I'd like to make a few suggestions.

3

obsolete : assured, confident

4

: sheer, steep

bold cliffs

5

: adventurous, free

a bold thinker

6

: standing out prominently

bold headlines

dressed in bold colors/patterns

often, of food : strong and distinctive : assertive sense 2

bold flavors

bolder spices like cinnamon and clove

7

: being or set in boldface

bold lettering

boldly

ˈbōl(d)-lē 

adverb

boldness

ˈbōl(d)-nəs 

noun

see also:

make bold

bold

2 of 2

noun

: boldface

printed in bold

Synonyms of bold

Adjective

• adventurous
• daring
• courageous
• fearless
• brave

Examples of bold in a Sentence

Adjective

Few politicians have been bold enough to oppose the plan to cut taxes.

It's a bold plan that might fail.

Hiring a novice was a bold move.

He punished the bold child for talking back.

I'd like to offer a few criticisms, if I may be so bold.

She wore a dress with bold stripes.

The painting is done in bold colors.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The Proposal actress’s strapless gown featured a corset bodice and a bold thigh-high slit on her right side, which was framed with a giant bow. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026

According to Dundy, rebellion against their father defined much of the future filmmaker’s life, which unfolded as a struggle for freedom characterized by bold actions and boldface names. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026

The arrival of Marmoush, a springy runner who is dangerous on the break and dynamic with his off-ball movement, helped reinforce a bolder new approach. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Bloomingdale’s chief merchant Denise Magid also cites backpacks as a strong and growing category, noting demand for classic Polo Ralph Lauren styles and bolder designs from brands like State and Sprayground. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Noun

Middle English, from Old English beald; akin to Old High German bald bold

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

circa 1871, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing bold

• (as) bold as brass
• be/make so bold
• bold-faced
• make bold

Rhymes for bold

• bowled
• cold
• doled
• foaled
• fold
• gold
• hold
• holed
• mould
• old
• poled
• polled

Kids Definition

bold

adjective

ˈbōld

1

a

: willing to meet danger or take risks : daring

b

: showing daring spirit

a bold plan

2

: impudent, saucy

3

: steep entry 1 sense 1

bold cliffs

4

: standing out in a very noticeable way : conspicuous

bold colors

5

: being or set in boldface

bold letters

boldly

ˈbōl-(d)lē

adverb

boldness

ˈbōl(d)-nəs

noun

Medical Definition

BOLD

abbreviation

blood oxygenation level-dependent; blood oxygen level-dependent

Note: BOLD is used to describe imaging signals and methods that measure changes in the magnetic properties of hemoglobin accompanying changes in blood oxygen levels. BOLD functional magnetic resonance imaging is dependent on oxygen levels and is used especially in the study of brain function to produce images showing blood flow indicative of neural activity.