as in refuge
something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger
her cottage in the Lake District served as her bolt-hole whenever the stresses of London became too great
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Recent Examples of bolt-hole
His magical renovation of Villa Mabrouka—the late Yves Saint Laurent's Tangier bolt-hole, with a Slim Aarons–worthy kidney-bean pool just outside the casbah—is as immaculately dressed down as an insouciant white linen shirt.
—
Stephanie Rafanelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2023
Around that time, some smaller properties also debuted — boutique charmers like Castello di Vicarello, Borgo Santo Pietro, Villa Fontelunga, and the Val d'Orcia bolt-hole La Bandita Country Hotel.
—Lee Marshall, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2023
Stephanie Rafanelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2023
Around that time, some smaller properties also debuted — boutique charmers like Castello di Vicarello, Borgo Santo Pietro, Villa Fontelunga, and the Val d'Orcia bolt-hole La Bandita Country Hotel.
—Lee Marshall, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolt-hole
Noun
-
Since 1957, believers and non-believers alike have sought refuge at the 10-acre estate, with meandering woodland paths and rocky gardens nestled along a quiet, lake-like inlet of Long Island Sound.—
Hannah Towey,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Oc Register,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Multiyear renovations at the famous ocean-front retreat, together with a desire for a larger, more modern venue, prompted the switch.—
Howard Walker,
Robb Report,
17 Feb. 2026
-
On the upper level, the primary suite is treated as a retreat within the retreat.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Gertie, a female boxer-mix, was found by a partner shelter in Tulare after she had been dropped off on the side of the road with serious injuries.—
Caleb Lunetta,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
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The gala, the organization’s biggest fundraiser, helps fund counseling, advocacy and emergency shelter for individuals and families who are survivors of domestic violence.—
Melinda Moore,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The third-largest of the British Virgin Islands, Virgin Gorda is known for its pristine beaches, nature sanctuaries, and The Baths National Park—a collection of pools and seawater grottos formed by huge granite boulders.—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Feb. 2026
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This desire for a sanctuary, coupled with an easy-to-maintain garden, has inspired what the Monrovia Nursery is calling The Sunday Garden.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Gold—which is supposed to be a safe haven—took a sharp dip yesterday, an indicator that traders just want their cash out of assets generally.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Former members described the club as a haven.—
Dorothy Roberts,
Time,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bolt-hole.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolt-hole. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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