bolt
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for bolt, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A metal fastener with a threaded shaft, used with a nut to hold things together.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use bolt
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English bolt, a Germanic word for an arrow or short shaft — the sense of a sudden dash or a lightning strike grew from the idea of something shooting out fast, like an arrow.
Full origin of bolt →Frequently asked questions
What does “bolt” mean?
The word “bolt” means a metal fastener with a threaded shaft, used with a nut to hold things together. In plain terms, a metal fastener, a door lock, a lightning flash, or (as a verb) to run off suddenly.
How do you pronounce “bolt”?
“Bolt” is pronounced bolt (/boʊlt/ in IPA).
How do you use “bolt” in a sentence?
Here is “bolt” used in a sentence: “He tightened the bolts on the shelf bracket.”
What part of speech is “bolt”?
Depending on how it is used, “bolt” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “bolt” come from?
The word “bolt” comes from Old English. From Old English bolt, a Germanic word for an arrow or short shaft — the sense of a sudden dash or a lightning strike grew from the idea of something shooting out fast, like an arrow.
Is “bolt” a common word?
“Bolt” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “bolt” have?
“Bolt” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a metal fastener with a threaded shaft, used with a nut to hold things together.
What is the difference between a bolt and a screw?
A bolt is a metal fastener with a threaded shaft that passes through the parts being joined and is secured with a nut. A screw usually cuts its own thread into the material and holds without a nut. As a rule of thumb, if it needs a nut to clamp things together, it is a bolt.
What is the difference between a bolt and a latch on a door?
A bolt is a sliding bar that you move across to lock a door. A latch is a catch that simply holds the door closed and opens with a handle, without locking it. Many doors combine the two: a latch for everyday use and a bolt for security.