Meaning of the word bolt in English

What does bolt mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

bolt

US /boʊlt/
UK /bəʊlt/
"bolt" picture

Noun

1.

a long, cylindrical piece of metal, typically threaded, used with a nut to fasten things together

Example:
•
He tightened the bolt with a wrench.
•
The bridge was held together by large steel bolts.
2.

a bar that slides into a socket to fasten a door or window

Example:
•
She slid the bolt across the door for security.
•
The old wooden door had a heavy iron bolt.
3.

a flash of lightning

Example:
•
A bolt of lightning struck the old oak tree.
•
The sky was lit up by sudden bolts.
4.

a roll of fabric or wallpaper of a specified length

Example:
•
We bought a whole bolt of silk for the dress.
•
The store had several bolts of colorful fabric.

Verb

1.

to run away suddenly and quickly

Example:
•
The horse bolted when it heard the loud noise.
•
He bolted out of the room as soon as the alarm sounded.
2.

to eat food quickly and often without chewing properly

Example:
•
He was so hungry he bolted down his dinner.
•
Don't bolt your food; chew it properly.
3.

to fasten (a door or window) with a bar that slides into a socket

Example:
•
Remember to bolt the door before you leave.
•
The windows were securely bolted shut.