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bolt

noun (1)
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\ ˈbōlt How to pronounce bolt (audio) \

Definition of bolt

 (Entry 1 of 5)

1a : a lightning stroke also : thunderbolt
b : a shaft or missile designed to be shot from a crossbow or catapult especially : a short stout usually blunt-headed arrow
2a : a wood or metal bar or rod used to fasten a door
b : the part of a lock that is shot or withdrawn by the key
3 : a metal rod or pin for fastening objects together that usually has a head at one end and a screw thread at the other and is secured by a nut
4 : a roll of cloth or wallpaper of specified length
5 : a metal cylinder that drives the cartridge into the chamber of a firearm, locks the breech, and usually contains the firing pin and extractor
6a : a block of timber to be sawed or cut
b : a short round section of a log

bolt

verb (1)
bolted; bolting; bolts

Definition of bolt (Entry 2 of 5)

intransitive verb

1 : to move suddenly or nervously : start
2 : to move or proceed rapidly : dash
3a : to break away from control or a set course
b : to dart off or away : flee
4 : to break away from or oppose one's previous affiliation (as with a political party or sports team)
5 : to produce seed prematurely

transitive verb

1 : to secure with a bolt bolt the door
2 : to attach or fasten with bolts
3 : to eat hastily or without chewing bolted his breakfast
4 : to break away from or refuse to support (something, such as a political party)
5 : to say impulsively : blurt
6a : flush, start bolt rabbits
b archaic : shoot, discharge

bolt

adverb

Definition of bolt (Entry 3 of 5)

1 : in an erect or straight-backed position : rigidly sat bolt upright
2 archaic : directly, straight

bolt

noun (2)

Definition of bolt (Entry 4 of 5)

: the act or an instance of bolting

bolt

verb (2)
bolted; bolting; bolts

Definition of bolt (Entry 5 of 5)

transitive verb

1 : to sift usually through fine-meshed cloth bolt flour
2 archaic : sift sense 2

Illustration of bolt

Illustration of bolt

Noun (1)

bolt 3

In the meaning defined above

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about bolt

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Synonyms for bolt

Synonyms: Verb (1)

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Examples of bolt in a Sentence

Adverb She sat bolt upright, staring straight ahead.

First Known Use of bolt

Noun (1)

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

Verb (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1577, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for bolt

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German bolz crossbow bolt, and perhaps to Lithuanian beldėti to beat

Verb (2)

Middle English bulten, from Anglo-French buleter, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle High German biuteln to sift, from biutel bag, from Old High German būtil

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Time Traveler for bolt

Time Traveler

The first known use of bolt was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Bolt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bolt. Accessed 20 Apr. 2021.

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More Definitions for bolt

bolt

adverb

English Language Learners Definition of bolt

: with the back in a very straight position

See the full definition for bolt in the English Language Learners Dictionary

bolt

noun
\ ˈbōlt How to pronounce bolt (audio) \

Kids Definition of bolt

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a stroke of lightning : thunderbolt
2 : a sliding bar used to fasten a door
3 : the part of a lock worked by a key
4 : a metal pin or rod with a head at one end and a screw thread at the other that is used to hold something in place
5 : a roll of cloth or wallpaper

bolt

verb
bolted; bolting

Kids Definition of bolt (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : to move suddenly and rapidly She bolted from the room.
2 : to run away The horse shied and bolted.
3 : to fasten with a bolt Be sure to bolt the door.
4 : to swallow hastily or without chewing Don't bolt your food.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bolt

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bolt

Nglish: Translation of bolt for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of bolt for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bolt

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