Dictionary
1bolt
noun \ˈbōlt\
Definition of BOLT
1
a : a shaft or missile designed to be shot from a crossbow or catapult; especially : a short stout usually blunt-headed arrow b : a lightning stroke; also : thunderbolt
2
a : a wood or metal bar or rod used to fasten a door b : the part of a lock that is shot or withdrawn by the key
3
: a roll of cloth or wallpaper of specified length
4
: a metal rod or pin for fastening objects together that usually has a head at one end and a screw thread at the other and is secured by a nut
5
a : a block of timber to be sawed or cut b : a short round section of a log
6
: a metal cylinder that drives the cartridge into the chamber of a firearm, locks the breech, and usually contains the firing pin and extractor
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Illustration of BOLT
Origin of BOLT
Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German bolz crossbow bolt, and perhaps to Lithuanian beldėti to beat
First Known Use: before 12th century
2bolt
verb
Definition of BOLT
intransitive verb
1
: to move suddenly or nervously : start
2
: to move or proceed rapidly : dash
3
a : to dart off or away : flee b : to break away from control or a set course
4
: to break away from or oppose one's previous affiliation (as with a political party or sports team)
5
: to produce seed prematurely
transitive verb
2
: to say impulsively : blurt
3
: to secure with a bolt <bolt the door>
4
: to attach or fasten with bolts
5
: to eat hastily or without chewing <bolted his breakfast>
6
: to break away from or refuse to support (as a political party)
First Known Use of BOLT
13th century
3bolt
adverb
: with the back in a very straight position
Full Definition of BOLT
1
: in an erect or straight-backed position : rigidly <sat bolt upright>
See bolt defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BOLT
14th century
4bolt
noun
5bolt
verb
Definition of BOLT
transitive verb
1
: to sift (as flour) usually through fine-meshed cloth
2
archaic : sift 2
Origin of BOLT
Middle English bulten, from Anglo-French buleter, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle High German biuteln to sift, from biutel bag, from Old High German būtil
First Known Use: 13th century
BOLTING Defined for Kids
1bolt
noun \ˈbōlt\
Definition of BOLT for Kids
1
: a stroke of lightning : thunderbolt
2
: a sliding bar used to fasten a door
3
: the part of a lock worked by a key
4
: a metal pin or rod with a head at one end and a screw thread at the other that is used to hold something in place
5
: a roll of cloth or wallpaper
2bolt
verb
bolt·edbolt·ing
Definition of BOLT for Kids
1
: to move suddenly and rapidly <She bolted from the room.>
2
: to run away <The horse shied and bolted.>
3
: to fasten with a bolt <Be sure to bolt the door.>
4
: to swallow hastily or without chewing <Don't bolt your food.>
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