noun
bolster
BOLS-tuh
noun
1
A long cylindrical pillow or cushion.
"She propped a bolster behind her back while reading in bed."
verb
1
To support, strengthen, or reinforce something.
"New evidence bolstered the prosecution's case."
"The extra staff helped bolster customer service."
How to Use Bolster
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAs a noun, a long pillow; as a verb, to strengthen or back something up.
Common pairings
bolster confidence
bolster support
bolster an argument
Word Forms
bolstered past tense, bolsters plural, Bolsters plural, bolsters singular
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She propped a _____ behind her back while reading in bed.
Etymology
From Old English bolster ("pillow"), from a Germanic root shared with German Polster and Swedish bolster.