bolster

noun bol·ster \ ˈbōl-stər \

|Updated on: 16 Jun 2018

Examples: bolster in a Sentence

Definition of bolster

1 : a long pillow or cushion

2 : a structural part designed to eliminate friction or provide support or bearing (see bearing 5)

See bolster defined for English-language learners

See bolster defined for kids

Recent Examples of bolster from the Web

The black interior gets matching orange seat inserts, seat belts and knee bolsters.

— jeff yip, Houston Chronicle, "Big boys’ toys: Camaro special edition pays tribute to iconic Hot Wheels," 9 June 2018
Meanwhile, Myers billed himself as a leader who would bring much needed transparency to the department as well as bolster relationships between deputies and community members.

— lyndsay winkley, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Gore leading sheriff's race in early returns," 5 June 2018
MGM Resorts International The $850 million acquisition of Empire City at Yonkers Raceway’s race track and casino bolsters MGM’s presence on the East Coast and, in particular, in the Northeast.

— kenneth r. gosselin, courant.com, "MGM To Buy New York Casino But Remains Committed To Developing Bridgeport Venue," 29 May 2018
The seats have side bolsters, as any fast car should.

— russ mitchell, latimes.com, "New wagons from Volvo and Jaguar offer agile alternatives to the lumbering SUV," 25 May 2018
Air-cell bladders in the seatback and width-adjusting bolsters offered optimal support and comfort.

— emma jayne williams, star-telegram, "Kia’s all-new 2018 Stinger sport sedan offers premium features, performance | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 12 May 2018
New York wants to start changing that, as well as bolster consumer spending and job creation.

— wes siler, Outside Online, "New York Wants to Get More People Camping—for Free," 26 Apr. 2018
Those front seats are standard on the Regal GS, and come with heating/ventilation/massage features and powered side bolsters and thigh support.

— brian wong, USA TODAY, "Review: Buick Regal GS isn't as princely as it could be," 2 Mar. 2018
As economist Dani Rodrik points out, the media’s trade-war freak-outs bolster Trump’s image as a tough operator on trade, even though nothing substantive is happening.

— david dayen, The New Republic, "Trump’s Theater of Trade," 27 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bolster.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of bolster

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old English belg bag — more at belly

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

bolster

verb

Definition of bolster

bolstered; bolstering play \-st(ə-)riŋ\

transitive verb

1 : to support with or as if with a bolster : reinforce

lay bolstered up in bed

extra men will bolster already augmented dock details
—Stanley Levey

2 : to give a boost to

news that bolstered his spirits

—

bolsterer

play \-stər-ər\ noun

See bolster defined for English-language learners

Examples of bolster in a Sentence

She came with me to bolster my confidence.
a convincing argument that was bolstered by the speaker's reputation
She is thinking of ways to bolster her career.

Recent Examples of bolster from the Web

These can be memberships to retailers like Amazon Prime and Sam's Club, which end up saving you money in the long run, or e-learning courses that will help bolster someone's resume and lead to better job opportunities.

— banu ibrahim, CNN Underscored, "The ultimate Father's Day guide: The top deals and gifts to shop right now," 13 June 2018
The deal, which has helped to bolster crude prices by more than 40%, is set to expire at the end of 2018.

— christopher alessi, WSJ, "Saudi Arabia Drives Rise in OPEC Oil Output," 12 June 2018
As well as quality, Wagner is said to be wanting his new additions to have notable pace to help further bolster his midfield and fast, counterattacking style.

— SI.com, "Huddersfield Reportedly Targeting Summer Deal for £13m-Rated Belgian International," 10 June 2018
Kenya sent troops to the Horn of Africa nation in 2011 to help bolster the country's weak government against al-Shabab's insurgency.

— Fox News, "5 police officers killed in Kenya when truck runs over bomb," 7 June 2018
Advocates say an increase would not only help low-income families live more comfortably, but help bolster the economy by giving more people more spending power.

— lasherica thornton, Philly.com, "A boost in the minimum wage in this year's Pa. budget?," 1 June 2018
The move would help bolster attendance for a game that in recent years has struggled with fan turnout.

— matt murschel, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl reportedly leaving St. Peterburg for Tampa," 23 May 2018
Having a five-star point guard pledged this early helps bolster a class that already has (the soon-to-be member of the 2018 class) Hagans and four-star small forward D.J. Jeffries on board.

— fletcher page, The Courier-Journal, "What Tyrese Maxey's commitment means for Kentucky basketball," 9 May 2018
The national media spotlight also has helped bolster Oregon's reputation as a historic hotbed of hate.

— aimee green, OregonLive.com, "Defense: Black teen allegedly killed by white man had violent history, too," 4 May 2018

Origin and Etymology of bolster

see ¹bolster

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1508

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

bolster Synonyms

BOLSTER Defined for English Language Learners

bolster

noun

Definition of bolster for English Language Learners

: a long bag of cloth completely filled with soft material : a long pillow or cushion

bolster

verb

Definition of bolster for English Language Learners

: to make (something) stronger or better : to give support to (something)

BOLSTER Defined for Kids

bolster

noun bol·ster \ ˈbōl-stər \

Definition of bolster for Students

: a long pillow or cushion sometimes used to support bed pillows

bolster

verb

Definition of bolster for Students

bolstered; bolstering

: to support with or as if with a bolster

We tried to bolster their courage.

Law Dictionary

bolster

transitive verb bol·ster \ ˈbōl-stər \

legal Definition of bolster

: to use evidence usually improperly to give weight to (evidence already introduced)

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bolster

Definition of bolster

Recent Examples of bolster from the Web

Origin and Etymology of bolster

bolster

Definition of bolster

bolsterer

Examples of bolster in a Sentence

Recent Examples of bolster from the Web

Origin and Etymology of bolster

bolster Synonyms

Synonyms

Near Antonyms

Related Words

BOLSTER Defined for English Language Learners

bolster

Definition of bolster for English Language Learners

bolster

Definition of bolster for English Language Learners

BOLSTER Defined for Kids

bolster

Definition of bolster for Students

bolster

Definition of bolster for Students

Law Dictionary

bolster

legal Definition of bolster

Learn More about bolster

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