boulder

The word “boulder” means a large rock, especially one that has broken off and lies separate from the surrounding land. In plain terms, a big loose rock, or (as a verb) to climb short rock routes without ropes.

“Boulder” is pronounced BOHL-duh (/ˈboʊldɚ/ in IPA).

Here is “boulder” used in a sentence: “They stopped to rest on a huge boulder beside the trail.”

Depending on how it is used, “boulder” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “boulder” comes from Middle English. From Middle English "boulder stone," probably from an Old Swedish word for a large rock in a stream that made the water roar as it passed.

“Boulder” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Boulder” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large rock, especially one that has broken off and lies separate from the surrounding land.

A boulder specifically refers to a large rock, often one that has broken away from its original surroundings and lies separate on the ground. "Rock" is a general term that covers stones of any size, so all boulders are rocks but not all rocks are boulders.

Bouldering is a form of rock climbing done on short, low routes without ropes or harnesses, relying instead on crash pads and safety spotters. Traditional rock climbing usually involves ropes and protection gear on taller routes where a fall would be more dangerous.

Yes, to boulder means to practise bouldering, the ropeless form of rock climbing done on low routes. For example, someone might say they are going bouldering at an indoor gym or an outdoor boulder field.