boulder

1 of 2

noun (1)

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

bouldering

2 of 2

noun (2)

boul·​der·​ing ˈbōl-d(ə-)riŋ 

: the sport of rock climbing on large boulders or low cliffs

boulder intransitive verb

boulderer

ˈbōl-d(ə-)rər 

noun

Examples of boulder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Wedge bodysurfer Sean Starkey has been watching erosion change his beloved surf break in recent years and said the effects have never been so stark as in recent days, exposing rock boulders longtimers have never seen before. — Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 18 June 2026

And the diversion structure no longer uses boulders to control the water flow. — Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 18 June 2026

Noun

Asana is primarily a bouldering gym, meaning climbers ascend shorter walls without ropes or harnesses. — Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 17 June 2026

Now, the new Cyprus Bouldering Guide formally introduces Cyprus bouldering to outdoor enthusiasts everywhere—and invites them to partake in the adventure themselves. — Rachel Nuwer, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

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

Noun (1)

1607, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1920, 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