noun

bollard

BOL-uhd

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Bollard (noun) means a short, strong post fixed to a road or pavement to stop vehicles getting into an area, to mark out traffic lanes, or for security. Example: “A row of bollards keeps cars off the pedestrian square.”

noun

A short, strong post fixed to a road or pavement to stop vehicles getting into an area, to mark out traffic lanes, or for security.

"A row of bollards keeps cars off the pedestrian square."

"The van scraped a bollard as it turned into the narrow street."

"New bollards were installed outside the station entrance."

nautical A sturdy post of iron or timber on a quay or ship's deck that ropes are tied round to hold a vessel in place.

"The deckhand looped the rope over the bollard on the quay."

"The ferry was tied to a bollard at the end of the pier."

"A heavy iron bollard held the tug's towline."

How to use bollard

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA sturdy post that blocks vehicles or holds a ship's ropes.

When to use it

It is a standard everyday word, and the nautical sense is a specialist use.

Memory tip

Think of a bollard as a post, whether it sits on a street or on a quayside.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

traffic bollard mooring bollard steel bollard

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “bollard” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A row of _____ keeps cars off the pedestrian square.

Etymology

From Middle English bollard, probably from Middle English bole, meaning a tree trunk, which came from Old Norse bolr. It seems to add the suffix -ard to that base.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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bitt

Rhymes for bollard

Pollard collard

See all rhymes for bollard →

Frequently asked questions

What is a bollard?

A bollard is a strong post. On land it stops vehicles entering an area, and at a dock it holds a ship's mooring lines.

What is a bollard used for on a ship or dock?

It is a heavy post on a quay or deck that a ship's ropes are looped over to keep the vessel fixed.

What is the difference between a bollard and a cleat?

Both hold ropes, but a cleat is the smaller fitting, while a bollard is a larger, stronger post.

What is the meaning of bollard?

"bollard" (noun) means a short, strong post fixed to a road or pavement to stop vehicles getting into an area, to mark out traffic lanes, or for security.