bolt
bolt
Bolt (noun) means a metal fastener with a threaded shaft, used with a nut to hold things together. Example: “The mechanic replaced a rusty bolt on the wheel of the trailer.”
noun
1
A metal fastener with a threaded shaft, used with a nut to hold things together.
"The mechanic replaced a rusty bolt on the wheel of the trailer."
"You will need a long bolt and a nut to join these planks."
"He tightened the bolts on the shelf bracket."
2
A sliding bar used to lock a door.
"The old front door had a heavy iron bolt at the top."
"I heard the bolt click as my neighbour locked up for the night."
"She slid the bolt shut before going to bed."
3
A flash of lightning.
"We counted the seconds between the bolt and the thunder to see how far away the storm was."
"A bright bolt lit up the whole field for a moment."
"A bolt of lightning split the old oak tree."
verb
1
To run away suddenly, or move very fast.
"The frightened horse bolted across the field when the fireworks started."
"The dog bolted the second the gate opened."
"He bolted out of the room when his phone rang."
2
To fasten something with a bolt, or to lock a door with a bolt.
"The workers bolted the metal frame to the concrete floor."
"She bolted the door behind her and drew the curtains."
"Make sure you bolt the shed at night."
3
Of a plant, to grow flower stalks and go to seed too early.
"If the spinach bolts, the leaves turn bitter and tough."
"My coriander bolted after a few hot days, so I pulled it up."
"The lettuce bolted in the summer heat."
How to use bolt
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA metal fastener, a door lock, a lightning flash, or (as a verb) to run off suddenly.
Common mistake
Don't confuse a "bolt" (threaded fastener needing a nut) with a "screw" (which threads directly into material).
Easily confused with
Common pairings
bolt the door
bolt of lightning
bolt upright
nuts and bolts
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Word forms
- Plural
- bolts
- Third person singular
- bolts
- Past tense
- bolted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The mechanic replaced a rusty _____ on the wheel of the trailer.
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.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for bolt
See all rhymes for 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.
