bolster

1 of 2

noun

bol·​ster ˈbōl-stər 

1

: a long pillow or cushion

2

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

bolster

2 of 2

verb

bolstered; bolstering ˈbōl-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

ˈbōl-stər-ər 

noun

Synonyms of bolster

Verb

• sustain
• support
• carry
• uphold

Examples of bolster in a Sentence

Verb

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 on the Web

Noun

The 16-way adjustable sport seats are standard, while performance seats shelled in carbon fiber—presenting more aggressive thigh and shoulder bolsters—are optionally available. —Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 8 May 2026

The blade is made from high-carbon 440 stainless steel, the handle is magnolia, and the bolster is crafted from natural horn. —Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2026

Verb

Buffalo spent the offseason bolstering its offensive and defensive units in hopes of making a championship run. —Amos Morale Iii, New York Times, 12 May 2026

The condition will now be called polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS)—the group hopes the new diagnosis will be more accurate, reduce stigma and bolster research. —Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 12 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

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

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

1508, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bolster

• holster
• pollster

Kids Definition

bolster

1 of 2 noun

bol·​ster ˈbōl-stər 

1

: a long pillow or cushion

2

: a structural part designed to eliminate friction or provide support

bolster

2 of 2 verb

bolstered; bolstering -st(ə-)riŋ 

: to support with or as if with a bolster

also : reinforce

came with me to bolster my spirits

bolsterer

-stər-ər 

noun

Legal Definition

bolster

transitive verb

bol·​ster

ˈbōl-stər

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