boulder

noun

boul·​der ˈbōl-dər 

variants or less commonly bowlder

: a detached and rounded or much-worn mass of rock

bouldered

ˈbōl-dərd 

adjective

bouldery

ˈbōl-d(ə-)rē 

adjective

Examples of boulder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Surrounded by enormous boulders sourced from Shikoku Island, the sleek underground spa pool feels like a secluded cave. —Leandra Beabout, Travel + Leisure, 26 Feb. 2026

The island takes its name from the dwarf palm, the only palm tree native to Europe, which grows wild on the boulders and cliffs. —Micol Passariello, Architectural Digest, 26 Feb. 2026

Coulibaly was allegedly recorded hitting police with a small boulder of snow during the Monday afternoon incident near the park’s comfort stations. —Thomas Tracy, Boston Herald, 26 Feb. 2026

Cops on Tuesday released images of Coulibaly holding a small boulder of snow with two hands during the snowball fight and asked the public for help identifying him. —Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 26 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

short for boulder stone, from Middle English bulder ston, partial translation of a word of Scandinavian origin; akin to Swedish dialect bullersten large stone in a stream, from buller noise + sten stone

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for boulder

• bolder
• bowlder
• colder
• folder
• golder
• holder
• molder
• moulder
• older
• polder
• shoulder
• beholder

Kids Definition

boulder

noun

boul·​der ˈbōl-dər 

: a large detached and rounded or worn mass of rock

Geographical Definition

Boulder

geographical name

Boul·​der ˈbōl-dər 

city northwest of Denver in north central Colorado population 97,385