bolt

bolt · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    To fasten with a bolt.

  2. 2.

    A metal pin or bar with a head, used with a nut to fasten things together.

  3. 3.

    To run away suddenly.

  4. 4.

    A sliding bar used to fasten a door or gate.

  5. 5.

    To eat food quickly.

  6. 6.

    A flash of lightning.

  7. 7.

    A roll of fabric or wallpaper.

  8. 8.

    A short arrow shot from a crossbow.

Forms

plural: bolts

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    bolt from the blue — a sudden, unexpected event
  • •
    bolt upright — sitting or standing very straight
  • •
    nuts and bolts — the practical details of something
  • •
    shoot one's bolt — to exhaust one's resources or efforts

Related words

See also: fasten, latch, lightning, screw
Synonyms: dart, fastener, latch, pin

Etymology

From Old English bolt ("arrow, crossbow bolt"), from Proto-Germanic bultaz. The sense of "metal fastener" developed from the arrow-like shape of the pin.