Added 7 October 2026
bolt
/bɒlt/ noun
In Latin: pessulus Wiktionary
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about bolt at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- A (usually) metal fastener consisting of a cylindrical body that is threaded, with a larger head on one end. It can be inserted into an unthreaded hole up to the head, with a nut then threaded on the other end; a heavy machine screw.
- Latch-related senses A sliding pin or bar in a lock or latch mechanism. A bar of wood or metal dropped in horizontal hooks on a door and adjoining wall or between the two sides of a double door, to prevent the door(s) from being forced open. A sliding mechanism to chamber and unchamber a cartridge in a firearm.
- A sliding pin or bar in a lock or latch mechanism.
verb
adverb
-
Suddenly; straight; unbendingly.
The soldiers stood bolt upright for inspection.
verb
Origin
From Middle English bolt, from Old English bolt, from Proto-West Germanic *bolt, from Proto-Germanic *bultaz, perhaps from Proto-Indo-European *bʰeld- (“to knock, strike”). Compare Lithuanian beldu (“I knock”), baldas (“pole for striking”). Akin to Dutch and West Frisian bout, German Bolz or Bolzen, Danish bolt, Swedish bult, Icelandic bolti. The association of thunder and lightning with 'bolts' is found back into prehistory in many cultures, at least in Eurasia. It comes from the long-standing widespread belief that lightning was caused by bolts, darts, or stones hurtling down from the sky to the earth. This belief was still regarded as commonplace until at least 1929.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)