bollard

noun

bol·​lard ˈbä-lərd 

British also ˈbä-ˌläd

1

: a post of metal or wood on a wharf around which to fasten mooring lines

2

: bitt sense 1

3

chiefly British : any of a series of short posts set at intervals to delimit an area (such as a traffic island) or to exclude vehicles

Examples of bollard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Assistant Village Manager Mera Johnson said hardscape-like pavers will be added along with bollards to allow for closing and opening the right-turn lane. —Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026

In 1946, then a 19-year-old cavalry officer, Morris sat on a bollard on a wharf in Trieste to write an essay about nostalgia. —Sara Wheeler, Big Think, 17 Apr. 2026

The arch, which would be ringed with protective bollards, includes an elevator-accessible observation deck. —Arden Farhi, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026

Stucchi recommends in-paver LEDs, low bollards, or recessed path lighting to give your driveway a welcoming glow. —Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 5 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from bole

First Known Use

circa 1763, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bollard

• collard
• collared
• hollered
• lollard
• pollard

Kids Definition

bollard

noun

bol·​lard ˈbäl-ərd 

: a post of metal or wood on a wharf around which to fasten mooring lines