First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1bold
adjective \ˈbōld\
: not afraid of danger or difficult situations
: showing or needing confidence or lack of fear
: very confident in a way that may seem rude or foolish
Full Definition of BOLD
1
a : fearless before danger : intrepid b : showing or requiring a fearless daring spirit
2
5
: adventurous, free <a bold thinker>
6
: standing out prominently
See bold defined for English-language learners
See bold defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of BOLD
Middle English, from Old English beald; akin to Old High German bald bold
Related to BOLD
- Synonyms
- adventuresome, adventurous, audacious, daring, dashing, emboldened, enterprising, free-swinging, gutsy, hardy, nerved, nervy, venturesome, venturous
- Antonyms
- unadventurous, unenterprising
2bold
noun
Definition of BOLD
: boldface
See bold defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BOLD
circa 1871
Other Printing Terms
BOLD[1] Defined for Kids
bold
adjective \ˈbōld\
bold·erbold·est
Definition of BOLD for Kids
1
: willing to meet danger or take risks : daring <bold knights>
2
: not polite and modest : fresh <a bold remark>
3
: showing or calling for courage or daring <a bold plan>
4
: standing out prominently <She has a face with bold features.>
— bold·ly adverb
— bold·ness noun
Learn More About BOLD
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: boldaciousPrevious Word in the Dictionary: bolbophyllumAll Words Near: bold
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up bold? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).