First published 1887; not yet revised More entries for bolt

boltnoun1

Meaning & use

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Earlier version

bolt, n.¹ in OED Second Edition (1989)

In other dictionaries

I.
A projectile.
1. 1. I.1.a.
    Old English–
    
    An arrow; especially one of the stouter and shorter kind with blunt or thickened head, called also quarrel, discharged from a crossbow or other engine. Often figurative, esp. in the proverbial phrase a fool's bolt is soon shot, so common from the 13th to 18th centuries. †at first bolt: at the first go off.
    OE
    Catapultas, speru, boltas.
    in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker, Anglo-Saxon & Old English Vocabulary (1884) vol. I. 508, 372
    a1225
    Ȝoure bolt is sone ischote.
    Legend of St. Katherine 54
    a1275
    Sottis bold is sone i-scoten.
    Prov. Alfred 421 in Old English Miscellany 129
    a1400
    He that shett the bolt is lyke to be schent.
    Coventry Mysteries 136
    c1405 (c1390)
    Loong as a Mast and vp righte as a bolt.
    G. Chaucer, Miller's Tale (Hengwrt MS.) (2003) l. 78
    1490
    But he made to be cast boltes of wilde fyre in to the galley of the admyrall.
    W. Caxton, translation of Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xxiv. 529
    ?a1500
    Hec sagitta, a harrow; hoc petulium, a bolt.
    Nominale (Yale Beinecke MS. 594) in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker, Anglo-Saxon & Old English Vocabulary (1884) vol. I. 812
    1546
    Than wolde ye mende, as the fletcher mends his bolt.
    J. Heywood, Dialogue Prouerbes English Tongue ii. ix. sig. Kiv
    1612
    The grosser foole, the sooner shoots his bolt.
    W. Fennor, Cornu-copiæ 11
    1676
    At first bolt..he denounces sentence before inquiry.
    A. Marvell, Mr. Smirke sig. B3^v
    1748
    ‘Zounds! I have done,’ (said he). ‘Your bolt is soon shot, according to the proverb,’ (said she).
    T. Smollett, Roderick Random vol. II. liii. 185
    1819
    Look that the cross-bowmen lack not bolts.
    W. Scott, Ivanhoe vol. II. xiii. 250
    1869
    The cross-bow-men had to open the discharge of their bolts while their bow-strings were still wet from a heavy shower.
    C. Boutell, translation of J. P. Lacombe, Arms & Armour viii. 129
    weaponry
    society armed hostility military equipment weapon missile arrow [nouns]
    arrowOld English–
    
    A long, thin shaft, typically made of wood, with a sharp point at the front and usually with feathers or vanes at the back, shot from a bow as a…
    boltOld English–
    
    An arrow; especially one of the stouter and shorter kind with blunt or thickened head, called also quarrel, discharged from a crossbow or other…
    flaneOld English–1724
    
    An arrow.
    floOld English–1623
    
    An arrow.
    pileOld English–1848
    
    A dart, shaft, or arrow. Obsolete.
    strealeOld English–
    
    An arrow.
    archer1297–
    
    One who shoots with bow and arrows, esp. one who uses them in war; a bowman. Also figurative.
    shaftc1400–
    
    An arrow. cloth-yard shaft, see cloth-yard, n.
    grey-goose wing1566–
    
    = grey-goose shaft, n.
    dorlach1575–1811
    
    An archer's arrow; (hence) a bag or case for holding arrows, a quiver. Obsolete.
    goose-wing1630
    
    The wing of a goose. †Sometimes used as a type of what is of trifling value. In quot. 1630 with allusion to the feathers used for arrows.
    shaftment1634
    
    An arrow. Obsolete.
    fate1700–
    
    An instrument of death or destruction. poetic.
    timberc1879–
    
    transferred. Applied to any object familiar to the speaker, composed wholly or chiefly of wood, as †a spear-shaft; †a bowl; a ship; the stocks (slang…
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    society armed hostility military equipment weapon missile crossbow bolt [nouns]
    boltOld English–
    
    An arrow; especially one of the stouter and shorter kind with blunt or thickened head, called also quarrel, discharged from a crossbow or other…
    quarrela1250–
    
    A short, heavy arrow or bolt with a four-sided (typically square) head for shooting from a crossbow or arbalest. Now chiefly historical.
    arbalestrec1300–1540
    
    The missile shot from the arbalest.
    vire1390–1513
    
    A form of quarrel or bolt for a crossbow. (Cf. vireton, n.)
    matrassc1450–1867
    
    A bolt or quarrel for a crossbow (see also quot. 1867).
    viretonc1500
    
    A crossbow bolt so constructed as to rotate on its axis while flying.
    matrass1591–
    
    A glass flask with a round or oval body and a long neck, used chiefly in chemical distillation.
    quarry1600–27
    
    A short, heavy arrow or bolt with a four-sided (typically square) head; = quarrel, n.¹ 1. Obsolete.
    cross-arrow1619
    
    An arrow shot from a crossbow.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    the world time relative time immediacy [adverbs]
    anonOld English–1846
    
    At once, immediately; straightaway, forthwith; instantly. Obsolete (archaic in later use).
    at the forme (also first) wordOld English–
    
    Upon the utterance of a single word; as soon as a word is spoken; without more discussion or parley; †without further ado, in short order, forthwith…
    coflyOld English–1340
    
    Quickly, keenly, boldly, fiercely.
    ferlyOld English–1572
    
    Suddenly, unexpectedly.
    forth onOld English–1325
    
    Straightway, at once, forthwith.
    nowOld English–
    
    In the time directly following on the present moment; immediately, at once.
    radlyOld English–
    
    Quickly, promptly, without delay or hindrance, soon.
    ratheOld English–1699
    
    Quickly, rapidly; esp. immediately, without delay, promptly. Obsolete.
    rathelyOld English–1895
    
    Quickly, swiftly, etc.; = rathe, adv. 1a. In later use archaic and poetic.
    rekeneOld English
    
    = rekenly, adv. 1.
    rekenlyOld English–1500
    
    Quickly, immediately; promptly, readily.
    rightOld English–1525
    
    Immediately, straightaway, at once. Obsolete. Cf. right forth, adv. A.2.
    shortlyOld English–
    
    In a short time; not long after the present or the point reached in a narration; soon. †In early use also: With little delay, speedily, quickly…
    soonOld English–
    
    Within a short time (after a particular point of time specified or implied), before long, quickly… With reference to a definite past or future time.
    swiftlyOld English–
    
    Without delay; after a very short, or no, interval of time; = quickly, adv. 2a.
    thererightOld English–
    
    Straightway, forthwith; there on the spot.
    unyoreOld English–1325
    
    Before long, soon, quickly.
    yareOld English–1513
    
    Quickly, without delay, promptly, immediately, soon. (Often used vaguely, esp. in full yare, as a rhyming tag.) Obsolete.
    here-rightlate Old English–
    
    Here on the spot; straightway, immediately.
    right anonlate Old English–
    
    Modifying temporal adverbs and prepositional phrases. As premodifier, esp. in †right anon, right now, right then, †right tho: just or exactly now…
    anonc1175–1850
    
    In combination with other adverbs of immediacy, as forthright, forthwith, soon, etc., forming adverbial phrases with the sense ‘at once…
    forthrightc1175–
    
    Straightway, immediately, at once.
    forthwithalc1175–1548
    
    = forthwith, adv.
    skeetc1175–1500
    
    Quickly, hastily, immediately.
    swithc1175–
    
    Quickly, without delay, forthwith, instantly, immediately, directly, at once. Also as int. = Quick! hence! away! Now archaic or dialect.
    with and withc1175–1440
    
    with and with: (a) Immediately, forthwith; = by and by, adv. A.3; (b) from time to time, again and again, every now and then. Obsolete.
    anon-rightc1225–
    
    Straightaway, forthwith; immediately; = anon-rights, adv. Cf. right anon.
    anon-rights?c1225–1450
    
    Straightway, forthwith; immediately; = anon-right, adv.
    belivec1225–1690
    
    At once, immediately, directly. Obsolete.
    lightly?c1225–
    
    With easy movement, nimbly, effortlessly, gracefully. †In early use: quickly, swiftly; immediately, at once (obsolete).
    quickly?c1225–
    
    Rapidly; with haste or speed. Denoting that there is little or no interval between a given point in time and the doing of an act or happening of an…
    tidelyc1225–1600
    
    Quickly, speedily; soon. Cf. titely, adv.
    fastlyc1275–
    
    At a fast speed; quickly, rapidly. Formerly also: †readily (obsolete). Cf. fast, adv. A.II.7a, A.II.8.
    hastilyc1275–
    
    Quickly, speedily, swiftly; (now esp.) hurriedly due to pressing need or urgency. Formerly also: †suddenly; soon, without delay, shortly (obsolete).
    i-radlichec1275–1340
    
    Promptly, readily, straightway.
    as soon asc1290–
    
    In various phrases denoting ‘At the very time or moment when, whenever’. as soon as. (Now the ordinary use.) Also †as soon so.
    aright1297–1460
    
    Straight, straightway. Obsolete. (Cf. rights, adv.)
    bedenea1300–1794
    
    Straightway, at once, forthwith, immediately. Cf. anon, adv. 3.
    in little wevea1300
    
    A short or quick movement. in little weve, in a moment.
    withoute(n dwella1300–1400
    
    Delay, stay, stoppage. withoute(n dwell: without delay, straightway. Obsolete.
    alrightc1300
    
    Straightaway, at once. Cf. right, adv. I.3.
    as fast (as)c1300–
    
    With great speed; quickly, rapidly, swiftly. Indicating that there is little or no interval between a given point in time and the doing of an act…
    at firstc1300–1680
    
    At once, immediately. Obsolete.
    in placec1300–
    
    In early use (also in the place): †right there; then and there, immediately (obsolete). Now (chiefly North American): without moving from one's…
    in the placec1300–
    
    In early use (also in the place): †right there; then and there, immediately (obsolete). Now (chiefly North American): without moving from one's…
    mididonec1300–30
    
    Forthwith, immediately.
    outrightc1300–1714
    
    With reference to time: straightaway, forthwith, immediately, without delay. Obsolete.
    prestc1300–1830
    
    Readily, quickly; = prestly, adv. 1. English regional (East Anglian) in later use.
    titec1300–
    
    Quickly, soon; (also) straightaway, immediately; without delay or intermission.
    without delayc1300–
    
    without delay (also without any delay, †without delays): without waiting or hesitating; immediately, at once. Similarly without further (also more,…
    that stounds1303–1400
    
    often-stounds, oft-stounds: often. that stounds: at that moment. Obsolete.
    rada1325–
    
    Quickly, readily, soon. Cf. rathe, adv. Now Scottish (north-eastern).
    readya1325–
    
    = readily, adv. Now rare.
    apacec1325–1703
    
    literal. At a pace, i.e. at a considerable or good pace; hence, With speed; swiftly, quickly, fast. Of quickness in proceeding to act: At once…
    albedenec1330–1550
    
    Forthwith; immediately, presently.
    as (also also) titec1330–1673
    
    as (also also) tite: as quickly as possible, immediately. Frequently written as one word. Obsolete.
    as blivec1330–1614
    
    as blive: as quickly as possible, immediately; cf. as soon at soon, adv. I.7b, as tite at tite, adv. & adj.phrases. Obsolete.
    as line rightc1330–
    
    In adverbial phr. (mostly obsolete) having reference to the straight line, e.g. even as line, even by line, as straight as line (now, as straight as a…
    as straight as linec1330–
    
    In adverbial phr. (mostly obsolete) having reference to the straight line, e.g. even as line, even by line, as straight as line (now, as straight as a…
    in anec1330–1525
    
    In one accord; in one and the same state; without cessation or interruption, continuously; straightway.
    in presentc1330–1797
    
    in present: (a) See sense I.1; (b) (also in this present) in or at the present time, now; (c) immediately; (d) at that time, then. Obsolete.
    newlyc1330–
    
    Immediately or soon (after a particular time); quickly. Now rare.
    suddenlyc1330–1682
    
    Without delay, forthwith, promptly, immediately, directly, at once. Obsolete.
    titelyc1330–1540
    
    Quickly; soon; (also) immediately; straightaway. Cf. tite, adv.
    yernec1330–1470
    
    Quickly, without delay, immediately, directly, soon. Also as yerne (see as, adv. A.III.5b).
    as soon1340–1584
    
    as soon, at once, forthwith. Obsolete.
    prestly1340–1567
    
    Readily; quickly; promptly, immediately.
    streck1340–
    
    In a straight course, directly; immediately, straightway. Also with away. Also streck up, in an upright posture.
    streckly1340–
    
    = streck, adv.
    swithly?1370–1600
    
    = swith, adv. 3, 4.
    evenlya1375
    
    Exactly. At the very moment; immediately. Cf. even, adv. A.II.5b. Obsolete.
    redelya1375–1681
    
    Readily, quickly, willingly.
    redlya1375–1500
    
    Readily, willingly; promptly, quickly.
    rifelya1375–1400
    
    Quickly, soon. Obsolete. rare.
    yeplya1375–1540
    
    Quickly, briskly; promptly, without delay.
    at one blastc1380–1790
    
    at one blast (Latin uno flatu): at once, at the same time. for a blast: for once.
    fresha1382–
    
    Newly, recently; not long ago. Also: anew, afresh.
    for whyc1384–1603
    
    = for, conj. B.2. Obsolete.
    ripelyc1384–1587
    
    Quickly, immediately. Obsolete.
    presentc1385–
    
    At the present time, now; immediately, instantly, at once; = presently, adv. 2a. Now rare (English regional (southern) in later use).
    presently1385–
    
    Without delay; at once, forthwith, immediately; instantly; quickly, promptly. Now British regional and rare.
    without arrestc1385–1598
    
    The act of standing still, halting, or stopping; stoppage, stop, halt, delay. Obsolete. without arrest: cf. without abode at abode, n.¹ 1…
    readilyc1390–
    
    Quickly, without delay. Also: without difficulty, easily.
    in the twinkling of a looka1393–1666
    
    In various phrases with the sense ‘in an instant, immediately’, as in the twinkling of a look. Cf. in the twinkling of an eye at twinkling, n.¹ 3b…
    straighta1393–
    
    Immediately, at once; without delay; = straight away, adv. Cf. straight off at phrases P.5a, straight forth, adv. A.2. Now archaic except as…
    derflya1400–1572
    
    Quickly, promptly.
    skeetlya1400–50
    
    swifta1400–
    
    = swiftly, adv. 2, 3
    maintenantc1400–1598
    
    At once, immediately.
    out of handc1400–
    
    At once, immediately, straight off; without premeditation or consideration; suddenly.
    wightc1400–1606
    
    Quickly, without delay, directly, immediately. Obsolete.
    at a startc1405–1843
    
    †at a start: with a bound; in an instant, in no time. Obsolete.
    immediately1420–
    
    Without any delay or lapse of time; instantly, directly, straightway; at once.
    at a momentc1425–1585
    
    at a moment: at a moment's notice. Obsolete.
    incontinent1425–
    
    Straightway, forthwith, at once, immediately, without delay; = incontinently, adv.²
    straight forth?c1425–
    
    Immediately, at once; without delay; straight away.
    there and then1428–
    
    there and then (formerly also †there then): at that precise place and time; on the spot, forthwith. Cf. then and there at then, adv. I.1d.
    onenec1429
    
    At once, immediately; = anon, adv. 3. Only in onene that: as soon as.
    forwithc1430–1609
    
    = forthwith, adv. Perhaps: = immediately, at once.
    downright?a1439–1712
    
    Straightaway; straight, directly. Obsolete.
    agatec1440
    
    Directly; immediately. Obsolete. rare.
    at a tricec1440–1641
    
    at a trice, literal at a single pluck or pull; hence, in an instant; instantly, forthwith; without delay. Obsolete.
    right forth1440–1500
    
    Straightaway, at once. Obsolete.
    withouten wonec1440–1600
    
    withouten wone, without delay. Cf. withouten hone (hone, n.²).
    whipc1460–1806
    
    Suddenly, forthwith, instantly, in a trice; quick! presto! Also in combination, as whip-dash, whip-slap.
    forthwith1461–
    
    Immediately, at once, without delay or interval.
    undelayed1470–
    
    Quasi-adv. Without delay.
    incessantly1472–1807
    
    Without pausing; instantly; immediately.
    right nowc1475
    
    Modifying temporal adverbs and prepositional phrases. As premodifier, esp. in †right anon, right now, right then, †right tho: just or exactly now…
    synec1475–1500
    
    (With prospective reference): Directly after this, immediately, presently. Obsolete.
    incontinently1484–
    
    Straightway, at once, immediately; = incontinent, adv.
    promptly1490–
    
    In a prompt manner; readily, quickly; at once, without delay; directly, forthwith, there and then.
    in the nonce?a1500
    
    in the nonce: at that moment, at once. Obsolete.
    uncontinent1506
    
    = incontinent, adv.
    on (upon, in) the instant1509–
    
    Phrases (from senses I.1, I.2). †at (in) one (an) instant, at one and the same moment, concurrently. †at one (an) instant, in a moment, forthwith…
    in short1513–99
    
    With prepositions, forming adverbial phrases. in short (? also Scottish. at short): in a short time, quickly. Obsolete. (The Sc. example may belong…
    straightway1516–
    
    Immediately, at once; without delay. Cf. straight away, adv. A.1, straightways, adv. 1. Now chiefly Indian English.
    at a clap1519–1768
    
    A sudden stroke; in phrases, at a clap, at one clap: at one stroke, at once. in a clap: suddenly, in a moment. Obsolete or Scottish. (Cf. chop, n.¹…
    by and by1526–1690
    
    Of sequence of events: straightway, immediately, directly, at once. Obsolete.
    at a twitch1528–1859
    
    at (also in) a twitch: in a moment; very quickly, without delay. Obsolete (Scottish in later use).
    at the first chop1528–1641
    
    at the first chop: at the first stroke, encounter, brush (French du premier coup); immediately, at once (French tout à coup).
    maintenantly1528–77
    
    = maintenant, adv.
    on a tricea1529–
    
    in a trice (†on a trice) in same sense.
    with a tricec1530–77
    
    with a trice in same sense. Obsolete.
    at once1531–
    
    Immediately, straightway.
    belively1532
    
    = belive, adv. A.I.2a.
    straightwaysa1533–
    
    Immediately, at once; without delay. Cf. straight away, adv. A.1, straightway, adv. A.2.
    short days1533–78
    
    Qualifying days as collective plural = time. Also short days used adverbially for ‘in a short time’. Scottish.
    straight away?1534–
    
    Immediately, at once; without delay. Cf. straightway, adv. A.2.
    undelayedly1534–
    
    fro hand1535–1626
    
    Scottish. fro hand: at once, immediately. Obsolete.
    indelayedly1535–1600
    
    Without delay; immediately.
    straight1536–
    
    With prepositional phrase or adverb, indicating a time or event which immediately precedes or follows… With prepositional phrase.
    betimesc1540–
    
    In a short time, soon, speedily, anon, forthwith.
    livelyc1540–1896
    
    Promptly; at once; = belively, adv. Obsolete.
    upononc1540
    
    = anon, adv. 3.
    at one (or a) dash?1550–1710
    
    figurative in phrases at (the) first dash, at one (or a) dash: cf. stroke, n.¹, blow, n.¹ (French coup). Obsolete.
    at (the) first dash?1550–1710
    
    figurative in phrases at (the) first dash, at one (or a) dash: cf. stroke, n.¹, blow, n.¹ (French coup). Obsolete.
    instantly1552–
    
    In a moment; immediately, forthwith, at once.
    forth of1564
    
    Phraseological combinations. = out of, prep. in various senses. Now only poetic or rhetorical, and only in lit. sense expressive of motion from…
    upon the nines1568
    
    upon the nines: (probably) at once. Obsolete. rare.
    on the nail1569–
    
    Immediately, at once; without the least delay. Usually with reference to the payment of money.
    at (also in, with) a thoughtc1572–
    
    at (also in, †with) a thought: in an instant, immediately, at once.
    indilately1572–79
    
    Without delay; immediately, forthwith.
    summarily1578–
    
    Without (unnecessary) formality or delay; without hesitation or deliberation; hastily.
    at one (a) chop1581–83
    
    at one (a) chop: at one stroke, at once, (French tout d'un coup).
    straightwise1582–1913
    
    Immediately, at once; without delay. Cf. straight away, adv. Obsolete.
    amain1587–1929
    
    To a great extent; extensively; exceedingly. Obsolete.
    extempore1593–1663
    
    On the instant; at once; immediately. Obsolete.
    presto1598–1879
    
    Quickly, immediately, at once; suddenly; frequently used by conjurors in various commands, as presto, be gone, etc. Obsolete.
    upon the place1600–82
    
    upon the place: then and there, on the spot, at hand. Obsolete.
    directly1604–
    
    Immediately (in time); straightway; at once.
    instant1604–
    
    As adv. (poetic). Instantly, at once.
    just now1606–
    
    Directly, immediately, very soon (now chiefly English regional). Also (South African): in a while, later.
    with a siserary1607–1857
    
    with a siserary: with a vengeance; suddenly, promptly. Obsolete.
    promiscuously1609
    
    colloquial. Unceremoniously. Obsolete. rare.
    at (in) one (an) instant1611
    
    Phrases (from senses I.1, I.2). †at (in) one (an) instant, at one and the same moment, concurrently. †at one (an) instant, in a moment, forthwith…
    on (also upon) the momenta1616–
    
    on (also upon) the moment: immediately, instantly. Now rare.
    at (formerly also on or upon) sight1617–
    
    With omission of the dependent genitive, in phrases related to sense II.4d. at (formerly also on or upon) sight, used spec. with reference to the…
    hand to fist1634–
    
    = hand to hand, adv.
    fastisha1650–
    
    Somewhat or moderately quickly or rapidly; with some speed; with little delay or hesitation.
    nextly1657–1845
    
    Most immediately or directly. Obsolete.
    to rights1663–1848
    
    At once, straightaway; (also) completely, altogether. In early use frequently in to sink to rights. Obsolete (U.S. regional in later use).
    slap1672–
    
    With, or as with, a slap or smart quick blow; quickly, suddenly, without warning or notice. In general use (frequently parenthetic); also with off…
    at first bolt1676
    
    An arrow; especially one of the stouter and shorter kind with blunt or thickened head, called also quarrel, discharged from a crossbow or other…
    point-blank1679–1887
    
    Without deliberation or consideration; forthwith, immediately; offhand. Obsolete.
    in point1680
    
    A location in time; a moment, juncture, or stage. A moment or instant considered in terms of its position in time rather than its duration; the…
    offhand1686–
    
    At once, straightaway; without preliminary thought, consideration, or preparation; casually, nonchalantly.
    instanter1688–
    
    Immediately, forthwith, at once. (Originally and still technically a law term, but now chiefly an emphatic substitute for instantly.)
    sonica1688–
    
    Promptly; at once. Now rare.
    flush1700
    
    Directly, straight.
    like a thought1720–
    
    like a thought.
    in a crack1725–
    
    The time occupied by a crack or shot; a moment, instant. in a crack: in a moment, immediately (cf. in a twinkle at twinkle, n. 2). colloquial.
    momentary1725
    
    Obsolete. rare.
    bumbye1727–
    
    Before long, presently, soon; at some point, eventually; = by and by, adv. A.4. Cf. bimeby, adv.
    clacka1734–1835
    
    The verb stem used adverbially; At once, on the instant, pat, ‘slick’; cf. bang, adv., plump, adv., etc.
    plumba1734
    
    Immediately, straightaway. Obsolete.
    right away1734–
    
    Originally North American. right away: immediately, without delay. Cf. straight away, adv.
    momentarily1739–
    
    At the moment; instantly. Now rare.
    momentaneously1753–
    
    In a moment, instantaneously. Also: every moment, moment by moment.
    in a snap1768–
    
    in a snap, in a moment, immediately.
    right off1771–
    
    right off: immediately, without delay. Cf. straight off at straight, adj. & adv. & n. phrases P.5a.
    straight an-end1778–
    
    straight off: immediately, at once; without delay; = straight away, adv. Formerly also †straight an-end. Cf. straight forth, adv. A.2.
    straightly1781–
    
    Immediately, at once; without delay. Cf. straight, adv. B.I.3a, straight away, adv. A.1 rare.
    abruptedly1784–
    
    = abruptly, adv.
    in a whistle1784
    
    figurative or in figurative phrases: Call, summons.
    slap-bang1785–
    
    With, or as with, a slap and a bang; without delay, immediately; without due consideration or regard to the consequences. Also of position…
    bang?1795–
    
    The verb stem is used adverbially with other verbs, esp. come, go, in the senses of. All of a sudden (tout d'un coup), suddenly and abruptly, all…
    right off the reel1798–
    
    figurative. off the reel. Originally and chiefly U.S. Immediately; without hesitation. Chiefly in right off the reel.
    in a whiff1800–
    
    in a whiff: in a short time, in a jiffy. dialect.
    in a flash1801–
    
    transferred. The brief period during which a flash is visible. in a flash: immediately, instantaneously.
    like a shot1809–
    
    Phrases. (a) a shot between wind and water, also slang (cf. shoot, v. IV.30d). (b) like a shot (colloquial): at once, with rapidity. Also, without…
    momently1812–
    
    Instantly, immediately.
    in a brace or couple of shakes1816–
    
    colloquial or slang. Used as the type of instantaneous action, esp. in the phrases in a shake, in a brace or couple of shakes. Also, in three (or…
    in a gird1825–
    
    A sudden movement or jerk, a spurt of action; chiefly in phrases at a gird, for a gird, by fits and girds (cf. fit, n.² 4c); also in a gird…
    (all) in a rush1829–
    
    (all) in a rush and variants: (a) With a sudden surge or onset; (b) in a hurry.
    in (also at, on) short (also quick) order1830–
    
    Originally U.S. in (also at, on) short (also quick) order: without delay; immediately.
    toot sweetc1830–
    
    Straightaway; promptly, quickly.
    in two twos1838–
    
    in two twos: in a very short time; directly, immediately. slang or colloquial. Also in two ups (Australian colloquial) = shake, n.¹
    rectly1843–
    
    = directly, adv. 6.
    quick-stick1844–
    
    = quicksticks, adv.
    short metre1848–
    
    A form of stanza used in hymn-writing, consisting of four lines of which the first, second, and fourth are of six syllables and the third of eight…
    right1849–
    
    Originally North American. Modifying adverbs and prepositions: immediately, without delay or hesitation. See also phrases P.1. Cf. straight, adj.…
    at the drop of a (occasionally the) hat1854–
    
    at the drop of a (occasionally the) hat: promptly, immediately. Originally U.S. colloquial.
    off the hooks1860–
    
    Straight off, at once, summarily.
    quicksticks1860–
    
    Quickly, without delay; = in quick sticks at quick-stick, n. Also as an imperative.
    straight off1873–
    
    straight off: immediately, at once; without delay; = straight away, adv. Formerly also †straight an-end. Cf. straight forth, adv. A.2.
    bang off1886–
    
    The verb stem is used adverbially with other verbs, esp. come, go, in the senses of. bang off, immediately, without delay. Cf. bang, adv.
    away1887–
    
    In predicative use, chiefly as to be away. colloquial and regional (chiefly Scottish and Irish English). Chiefly with the present tense of be. Just…
    in quick sticks (also in a quick stick)1890–
    
    in quick sticks (also in a quick stick): quickly, without delay; = quicksticks, adv.
    ek dum1895–
    
    At once, immediately.
    tout de suite1895–
    
    Quite, entirely. tout de suite British English/ˌtuː də ˈswiːt/ /ˌtuːt ˈswiːt/ U.S. English/ˌtut ˈswit/, at once, immediately; cf. toot sweet, adv.
    bung1899–
    
    In or into the very middle of things; = smack, adv. B.2.
    one time1899–
    
    Caribbean. At once, immediately.
    prompt1910–
    
    gen. Promptly; soon. rare.
    yesterday1911–
    
    In hyperbolical use (with reference to something needed or wanted): extremely urgently, immediately; esp. in to want (or need) something yesterday.
    in two ups1934–
    
    in two twos: in a very short time; directly, immediately. slang or colloquial. Also in two ups (Australian colloquial) = shake, n.¹
    presto changeo1946–
    
    Suddenly, straightaway.
    now-now1966–
    
    In the immediate future, in a moment; very soon. Cf. now, adv. A.I.2.
    presto change1987–
    
    = presto changeo, adv. rare.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  2. I.1.b.
    a1616–87
    
    † Phrase. to make a shaft or a bolt of it: to risk making something or other out of it; to accept the issue whatever it may be, to run the risk, make the venture. (Cf. to make a spoon or spoil a horn at spoon n. 3d.) Obsolete.
    a1616
    Ile make a shaft or a bolt on't, slid, tis but venturing.
    W. Shakespeare, Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) iii. iv. 24
    1679
    Without any regard to the Displeasure..of God [they] resolv'd to make a shaft or a bolt of it.
    translation of Trag. History of Jetzer 17
    1687
    One might have made a Bolt or a Shaft on't.
    R. L'Estrange, Answer to Letter to Dissenter 46
    the world existence and causation causation chance or causelessness [intransitive verbs] chance run a risk or take one's chance
    to take one's chancec1325
    
    To take what may befall one, submit to whatever may happen; to ‘risk it’. So †to stand to one's chance (obsolete), to stand one's chance.
    to take penancec1400–1579
    
    Penitential fare (suitable for fast days), meagre food; poor hospitality. to take penance: to accept another's hospitality without any special…
    to throw at allc1400–
    
    intransitive. To roll a die or dice; to play at dice.
    to throw the helve after the hatchet1546–
    
    Phrases. to throw the helve after the hatchet: after losing or risking so much, to risk all that is left; to go the whole length regardless of loss…
    to set (up) one's rest1579–
    
    In extended use. To gamble one's entire position, or all of one's hopes and chances; to stake one's all (usually with on, upon). Also: to place one's…
    to give the adventure1607
    
    Any undertaking the outcome of which is uncertain; an experiment; a test of luck. Obsolete.
    to make a shaft or a bolt of ita1616–87
    
    Phrase. to make a shaft or a bolt of it: to risk making something or other out of it; to accept the issue whatever it may be, to run the risk…
    to run a fortune1627
    
    A mishap, disaster. to run a fortune (= French courir fortune de): to run a risk. Obsolete.
    to run for luck1799–
    
    U.S. to run for luck: to trust to luck, to take one's chance.
    to go the vole1816–
    
    to go the vole, to run every risk in the hope of great gain; to try all shifts.
    chance1863–
    
    intransitive. To come about by chance; to happen, occur, fall out, come to pass. With the event as subject, expressed either by a noun preceding the…
    to chance one's arm1889–
    
    Colloquial phrase to chance one's arm: to perform an action in the face of probable failure; to take one's chance of doing something successfully…
    to take a chance or chances1902–
    
    to take a chance or chances: to take a risk or risks. Originally U.S.
    gamble1919–
    
    intransitive. To take a chance that a desired result will be achieved or state of affairs be the case.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
2. 1. I.2.a.
    1535–
    
    A discharge of lightning, a thunderbolt.
    1535
    How he smote their..flockes with hote thonder boltes.
    Bible (Coverdale) Psalms lxxvii[i]. 48
    1586
    M. Roydon, Elegie on Astrophel 178.
    1667
    That they shall fear we have disarmd The Thunderer of his only dreaded bolt.
    J. Milton, Paradise Lost vi. 491
    1791
    Then, thund'ring oft, he hurl'd into the bark His bolts.
    W. Cowper, translation of Homer, Odyssey in Iliad & Odyssey vol. II. xiv. 370
    1802
    And louder than the bolts of heaven Far flashed the red artillery.
    T. Campbell, Hohenlinden
    1859
    Scarce had she ceased, when out of heaven a bolt..struck Furrowing a giant oak.
    Lord Tennyson, Vivien in Idylls of King 142
    weather
    the world matter light naturally occurring light [nouns] lightning bead or forked lightning flash of
    laitOld English–1513
    
    Lightning; occasionally flash of fire.
    slaughta1300–1400
    
    A flash (of lightning). Cf. fire-slaught, n.
    levinc1300–
    
    Lightning; a flash of lightning; also, any bright light or flame.
    fire-slaughta1400–
    
    Lightning; a flash of lightning. Cf. fire-flaught, n.
    flaughta1400–
    
    A flash; a flash of lightning; a ‘tongue’ of flame; = flake, n.² 2. Cf. fire-flaught, n.
    thunderboltc1440–
    
    A supposed bolt or dart formerly believed to be the destructive agent in a lightning-flash when it ‘strikes’ anything; a flash of lightning…
    fudder1513
    
    Lightning; a thunderbolt.
    fire-flaughta1522–
    
    Lightning; a flash of lightning. Also: †a storm of thunder and lightning (obsolete). Cf. fire-slaught, n.
    flag of firea1522–1600
    
    A blast or gust (of wind); a squall. flag of fire: a flash of lightning.
    bolt1535–
    
    A discharge of lightning, a thunderbolt.
    strokea1542–
    
    A damaging or destructive discharge (of lightning).
    lightning bolta1560–
    
    A visible discharge of lightning, a thunderbolt. Cf. bolt, n.¹ I.2a.
    lightning1560–
    
    (In sense A.1a.) General use as a modifier, as in lightning discharge, lightning flash, lightning stroke, etc.; also as a modifier with the sense…
    fire-bolt?1562–
    
    A thunderbolt, a flash of lightning; also figurative.
    fulgur1563–1746
    
    Lightning; a flash of lightning. Also figurative.
    fulmen1563–
    
    A thunderbolt, esp. (in later use) as the attribute of the Roman god Jupiter; a symbolic representation of this (in art, on a coin, etc.). Also figur…
    thunder-thump1563
    
    ? a thunderbolt.
    light-bolt1582–
    
    A thunderbolt; also figurative.
    fire-flash1586–
    
    blaze1590
    
    A ‘flash’ (of lightning), a moment. Obsolete.
    flake1590
    
    A portion of ignited matter thrown off by a burning or incandescent body; a detached portion of flame; †a flash (of lightning).
    clap1591–99
    
    A stroke (of thunder), a lightning-stroke. Obsolete; cf. sense I.5.
    blastc1665–1751
    
    The sudden stroke of lightning, a thunder-bolt. Obsolete.
    glade1744
    
    A clear or bright space in the sky; a flash (of light or lightning). Obsolete.
    streak1781–
    
    A flash of lightning, etc.
    thunder-ball1820–
    
    a. The electric phenomenon called a fire-ball or globe-lightning; b. poetic a thunderbolt; c. the common red poppy (Papaver rhœas) (dialect).
    leader stroke1934–
    
    Meteorology. In full, leader stroke. A preliminary stroke of lightning that ionizes the path taken by the much brighter return stroke that follows.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    the world the earth weather and the atmosphere weather bad weather thunder and lightning [nouns] lightning stroke of thunderbolt
    fudderc1429–1827
    
    Lightning; a thunderbolt.
    thunderboltc1440–
    
    A supposed bolt or dart formerly believed to be the destructive agent in a lightning-flash when it ‘strikes’ anything; a flash of lightning…
    bolt1535–
    
    A discharge of lightning, a thunderbolt.
    fire-bolt?1562–
    
    A thunderbolt, a flash of lightning; also figurative.
    fulmen1563–
    
    A thunderbolt, esp. (in later use) as the attribute of the Roman god Jupiter; a symbolic representation of this (in art, on a coin, etc.). Also figur…
    light-bolt1582–
    
    A thunderbolt; also figurative.
    thunder-ball1820–
    
    a. The electric phenomenon called a fire-ball or globe-lightning; b. poetic a thunderbolt; c. the common red poppy (Papaver rhœas) (dialect).
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  2. I.2.b.
    1577–
    
    figurative. So in bolt from the blue: see blue adj. & n. Phrases P.5a.
    1577
    The hoat boltes of that thunder, euen sentences definitiue of excommunication.
    H. I., translation of H. Bullinger, 50 Godlie Sermons vol. II. iv. To King sig. Bbb.viij^v
    1803
    The undistinguishing bolt of carnage.
    J. Porter, Thaddeus of Warsaw (1831) viii. 70
    1884
    That so the Papal bolt may pass by England.
    Lord Tennyson, Becket Prologue 10
    the world action or operation adversity calamity or misfortune [nouns] misfortune or ill-luck instance of misfortune or ill-luck severe or sudden a stroke (of misfortune, etc.)
    showerOld English–1475
    
    An assault of good (or bad) fortune; a stroke of misfortune, a hardship or difficulty; an injury. Obsolete.
    clapc1330–1661
    
    figurative. A stroke, blow, or shock of misfortune, etc.; a sudden mishap. (Rarely in good sense.) Obsolete. (See also afterclap, n.)
    buffetc1400–
    
    transferred and figurative. (Cf. blow, n.¹, stroke, n.¹)
    flaw1513–
    
    A sudden burst or squall of wind; a sudden blast or gust, usually of short duration.
    wipe?1545–
    
    A slashing blow, a sweeping cut, a swipe; also figurative (in early use esp. in phraseological expressions, e.g. a wipe over the shins; also, a…
    bolt1577–
    
    figurative. So in bolt from the blue: see blue, adj. & n.phrases P.5a.
    blow1608–
    
    figurative. Cf. ‘stroke’.
    attaint1655
    
    figurative. A dint, a blow (of misfortune, etc.). Obsolete.
    bludgeoning1888–
    
    View in Historical Thesaurus
3. I.3.
  1871–
  
  An elongated bullet for a rifled cannon.
  1871
  In artillery practice the heat generated is usually concentrated upon the front of the bolt.
  J. Tyndall, Fragments of Science i. 17
  gunnery and firearms
  society armed hostility military equipment weapon missile ammunition for firearms [nouns] bullet or ball cannonball
  stone of iron1511
  
  A piece of stone of a definite form and size (usually artificially shaped), used for some special… A rounded stone or pebble formerly used as a…
  bullet1557–1882
  
  A cannon-ball (of metal or stone); sometimes cannon-bullet. Obsolete exc. historical.
  bombard1575
  
  transferred. The ball or stone thrown by a bombard. Obsolete. rare.
  round shot1576–
  
  Large balls of cast iron or steel used as ammunition for a cannon; (as a count noun) a piece of ammunition of this kind; a cannonball.
  cannon bullet1578–
  
  A cannonball.
  cannonball1606–
  
  A heavy round projectile, usually of stone or iron, designed to be fired from a cannon. Formerly also: †such projectiles collectively (obsolete)…
  pill1618–
  
  slang. A bullet; a shell, cannonball, grenade, or bomb; (in plural also) ammunition.
  shot1622–
  
  A cannon-ball. Also (with numerals) as collective singular or uninflected plural.
  bumbass1663–1865
  
  A large stone ball or projectile, esp. one that is shot from a bombard.
  round1707–
  
  = round shot, n. Now chiefly historical.
  thunder-stone1822–
  
  poetic. Applied to a (? stone) cannon-ball.
  bolt1871–
  
  An elongated bullet for a rifled cannon.
  nigger baby1872
  
  U.S. Usually offensive. Military slang. A kind of large cannonball. Obsolete. rare.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
4. I.4.
  1842–
  
  A cylindrical jet.
  1842
  A bolt of water..came rushing after like the jet of a fountain.
  H. Miller, Old Red Sandstone (ed. 2) x. 216
  1884
  The blowers skilfully gather the molten bolts of glass from the pots and blow huge cylinders.
  Public Opinion 11 July 47/1
  the world matter liquid liquid flow action or process of squirting or issuing in a jet [nouns] a jet cylindrical
  bolt1842–
  
  A cylindrical jet.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
  the world movement motion in a certain direction going or coming out [nouns] sudden or violent in a jet a jet cylindrical
  bolt1842–
  
  A cylindrical jet.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
II.
A stout pin for fastening.
1. II.5.
  1463–
  
  a. An appliance for fastening a door, consisting of a cylindrical (or otherwise-shaped) piece of iron, etc., moving longitudinally through staples or guides on the door, so that its end can be shot or pushed into a socket in the doorpost or lintel. b. That part of a lock which springs out and enters the staple or ‘keeper’ made for its reception.
  1463
  To bye lokkys and boltys ffor my lorddys schambre.
  in Manners & Household Expenses of England (1841) 155
  c1540 (?a1400)
  Þai..Barrit hom full bigly with boltes of yerne.
  Destruction of Troy 10463
  1570
  Y^e Boult of a doore, pessulus.
  P. Levens, Manipulus Vocabulorum sig. Si/1
  1643
  Forc't vertu is as a bolt overshot, it goes neither forward nor backward.
  J. Milton, Doctrine Divorce 43
  1688
  In a Lock—The Bolt or Shoot..The Staples, those as holds the Bolt to the Plate.
  R. Holme, Academy of Armory iii. vii. §8
  1753
  Bolt of a lock is the piece of iron which entering the staple, fastens the door.
  Chambers's Cyclopædia Suppl.
  1815
  How came it here through bolt and bar?
  W. Scott, Lord of Isles v. iii. 176
  locksmithing
  society occupation and work equipment building and constructing equipment fastenings [nouns] lock part of lock bolt
  bolt1463–
  
  a. An appliance for fastening a door, consisting of a cylindrical (or otherwise-shaped) piece of iron, etc., moving longitudinally through staples…
  slot1890–
  
  A bolt forming part of the mechanism of a lock.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
2. II.6.
  1483–1688
  
  † An iron for fastening the leg, a fetter. Obsolete.
  1483
  Delyuerd of theyr irons, as guyues, boltes, and other.
  W. Caxton, translation of J. de Voragine, Golden Legende 192/1
  1530
  Bolte or shacle, entraue.
  J. Palsgrave, Lesclarcissement 199/2
  1591
  Clap a strong pair of bolts on his heeles.
  R. Greene, Second Part of Conny-catching sig. F4
  a1593
  He shall to prison, and there die in boults.
  C. Marlowe, Edward II (1594) sig. B
  1649
  Some wore iron upon their skin and bolts upon their legs.
  Bishop J. Taylor, Great Exemplar i. iv. 128
  1688
  Prison-shackles or Prisoners Bolts; they are Irons fastned about the Legs of Prisoners.
  R. Holme, Academy of Armory iii. vii. §86
  society authority subjection restraint or restraining restraint depriving of liberty binding or fettering [nouns] bond(s) or fetter(s) or shackle(s) for the feet or legs
  copsOld English–1200
  
  A shackle for any part of the body; a fetter (Old English fót-cops), manacle (hand-cops), or collar (sweor-cops), to secure a prisoner. Obsolete.
  fetterOld English–
  
  A chain or shackle for the feet of a human being or animal; hence gen. a bond, shackle. (rare in singular.)
  gyvec1275–
  
  A shackle, esp. for the leg; a fetter.
  bolt1483–1688
  
  An iron for fastening the leg, a fetter. Obsolete.
  boysc1485–1718
  
  In plural. Shackles, fetters.
  hose-ring?1515–
  
  A fetter.
  hopshacklea1568
  
  ‘A ligament for confining a horse or cow’ (Jamieson); a hopple or hobble.
  gin?1587–1663
  
  A fetter. Obsolete.
  leg ring1606–
  
  = leg iron, n.
  hamper1613–24
  
  Something that hampers, or prevents freedom of movement; a shackle. Obsolete.
  shacklock1613
  
  A fetterlock.
  pedicle1628–
  
  A shackle for the feet, a fetter.
  leg iron1779–
  
  (Usually in plural) (a) a shackle or fetter for the leg; cf. iron, n.¹ I.2b (b) a metal brace or splint, used esp. to support or straighten the…
  wife1811–
  
  slang. A shackle for the leg; a leg iron. Cf. ball and chain, n. 1. Now rare.
  leg lock1815–
  
  a. (Usually in plural) = leg iron, n. (a); b. Wrestling a hold in which a wrestler immobilizes or traps an opponent's legs; (also more generally)…
  ankle-chain1818–
  
  a. A fetter or shackle for the ankle; b. a chain worn round the ankle as an ornamental accessory.
  ankle ring1823–
  
  An ornamental ring worn round the ankle; (also) a shackle for the ankle; cf. anklet, n. 1.
  anklet1835–
  
  An ornamental band or chain worn round the ankle; (also) a shackle for the ankle. Cf. ankle ring, n.
  ankle bracelet1874–
  
  A fetter or shackle for the ankle.
  hopple1888–
  
  An apparatus for hoppling horses, etc. (see hopple, v.). Also transferred: a fetter; = hobble, n. 3.
  Oregon boot1892–
  
  A heavy foot shackle used to prevent the escape of a prisoner.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
3. 1. II.7.a.
    1626–
    
    A stout metal pin with a head, used for holding things fast together. It may be permanently fixed, secured by riveting or by a nut, as the bolts of a ship; or movable, passing through a hole, as the bolts of a shutter.
    The bolts in ships, gun-carriages, etc. have various names according to their nature, purpose, or position, as clinch-bolts, ring-bolts, set-bolts; bed-bolts, eye-bolts, etc. See clinch n.1, ring n.1, etc.
    1626
    Bindings, knees, boults, trunions.
    J. Smith, Accidence Young Sea-men 10
    1627
    Set bolts for forcing the workes and plankes together.
    J. Smith, Sea Grammar ii. 5
    1672
    For fear any Bolts should give way or draw.
    Compl. Gunner vi. 7
    1769
    Breeching-bolts, with rings, through which the breechings pass.
    W. Falconer, Universal Dictionary of Marine at Cannon
    1792
    A machine for driving bolts..into ships.
    Gentleman's Magazine April 344
    1794
    The common bolt, which receives a screwed nut at the bottom.
    W. Felton, Treatise on Carriages vol. I. 120
    1851
    Holes for bolts exist in many of the slabs.
    A. H. Layard, Popular Account of Discoveries at Nineveh xiii. 344
    building nautical
    society occupation and work equipment building and constructing equipment fastenings [nouns] bolt
    bolt1626–
    
    A stout metal pin with a head, used for holding things fast together. It may be permanently fixed, secured by riveting or by a nut, as the bolts…
    dag1727–
    
    A pointed piece of metal, etc.; a pin or bolt.
    draw bolt1809–
    
    a. A sliding bolt used to secure a door; cf. drawbar, n. 1; b. the bolt of a coupling mechanism at the end of a railway carriage or other…
    machine bolta1884–
    
    A bolt with a thread and a square or hexagonal head.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  2. II.7.b.
    1859–
    
    A sliding metal rod in the breech mechanism of a rifle which opens and closes the bore and positions the cartridge.
    1859
    The barrel-maker has to braze on with great care two lumps of iron to the lower sides of the barrels, one of which..forms about three-fifths of the socket in which the circular bolt fixed in the stock revolves. In order to understand the exact form of the bolt, a gun on this principle must be examined, and moreover as scarcely any two makers adopt the same shape, the description of one would not suffice for all.
    ‘Stonehenge’, Shot-gun iv. iii. 259
    1881
    The piece is cocked by the thumb, as is the needle-gun; the bolt is then turned one-quarter of a circle to the left, and drawn back: the cartridge is put in and pushed home by the bolt; this bolt is turned back one-quarter of a circle to the right; the piece is then ready for firing.
    W. W. Greener, Gun & its Development 129
    1930
    It is extremely difficult to insert an incorrectly assembled bolt into the action, and this can only be done by a combination of undue force and careful manipulation.
    G. Burrard, In Gunroom 122
    1969
    [see bolt action n.].
    gunnery and firearms
    society armed hostility military equipment weapon device for discharging missiles firearm parts and fittings of firearms [nouns] breech bolt
    rifle bolt1849–
    
    a. = bolt, n.¹ I.3 (now chiefly historical); b. = bolt, n.¹ II.7b.
    bolt1859–
    
    A sliding metal rod in the breech mechanism of a rifle which opens and closes the bore and positions the cartridge.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
III.
Transferred uses.
1. III.8.
  1407–
  
  A roll of woven fabric: generally of a definite length; being, in various cases, 30 yards, 28 ells, or 40 feet.
  1407
  Lego Isabelle Wollebergh..iiij boltes de Worstede.
  Codicil to Will of Nicholas Wollebergh (P.R.O.: PROB. 11/2) f. 114^v
  1591
  A boulte of Satten, Veluet or any such commoditie.
  R. Greene, Second Part of Conny-catching sig. E2
  a1600
  Poldavies, the bolte, containing xxx yards, xxs.
  Custom Duties, Add. Manuscript 25097
  1638
  Fouer bolts of canvas to send cotton home in.
  T. Verney in Verney Papers 20 May 197
  1721
  Bolt of Canvas, a piece containing 28 ells.
  N. Bailey, Universal Etymological English Dictionary
  a1835
  Stiff and upright, like a bolt of canvass on end.
  M. Scott, Cruise of Midge (1836) i. 16
  c1860
  Canvas is made in lengths of 40 feet, called bolts.
  H. Stuart, Novices or Young Seaman's Catechism (revised edition) 52
  1887
  Mod. Sc. How many bowts of tape?
  New English Dictionary (OED first edition) at Bolt
  textiles
  the world textiles and clothing textiles textile fabric or an article of textile fabric textile fabric [nouns] roll
  bolt1407–
  
  A roll of woven fabric: generally of a definite length; being, in various cases, 30 yards, 28 ells, or 40 feet.
  gib1526
  
  A bale (of cloth, etc.).
  round1661–96
  
  A long length of fabric rolled or wound up into cylindrical form; this as a fixed measurement, esp. for sale. Cf. roll, n.¹ II.5a. Obsolete.
  ringe1726–1825
  
  A piece or roll of cloth. Also: a strip of cloth used as an edging on an item of clothing. Obsolete. rare.
  block1798–
  
  In haberdashery: a length of fabric or ribbon wrapped around a board for storage and display. Now rare.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
2. III.9.
  1725–
  
  A bundle (of osiers, etc.) of a certain size; a bundle of reeds, 3 ft. in circumference.
  1725
  Such as are for white work being made up into Bolts as they call them.
  R. Bradley, Chomel's Dictionaire Œconomique at Ozier
  1863
  Bolt, or Boult, of oziers. (Berks.), a bundle, measuring 42 inches round, 14 inches from the butts. (Ess.), a bundle, of which 80 make a load. (Hants.), 42 inches round at the lower band.
  J. C. Morton, Cyclopedia of Agriculture (new edition) vol. II. (Gloss.) 721/1
  1879
  To Rod Dealers, Basket Makers..25 scores bolts of fine, well-grown, clean, Green Willow Rods.
  Standard 17 April
  the world space relative position arrangement or fact of being arranged state of being gathered together an assemblage or collection [nouns] bundle of straw, reeds, etc. of specific size
  bolt1725–
  
  A bundle (of osiers, etc.) of a certain size; a bundle of reeds, 3 ft. in circumference.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
3. 1. III.10.a.
    1688–
    
    Wood in special size for cleaving into laths.
    1688
    Boults, the sawed piecces into lengths, out of which Laths or Latts are cloven.
    R. Holme, Academy of Armory iii. iii. §50
    1753
    Bolts in carpentry denote pieces of wood cleft with wedges in order to be split into laths.
    Chambers's Cyclopædia Suppl.
    woodworking
    society occupation and work materials raw material wood wood in specific form [nouns] piece for making into laths
    splinting1527–1642
    
    The action of constructing or providing with splints or laths; the material used in this. Obsolete.
    bolt1688–
    
    Wood in special size for cleaving into laths.
    stave1823–
    
    More generally: a narrow, flat piece of wood (or occasionally another material), esp. one abutted or fitted together with others to form a…
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  2. III.10.b.
    1639–
    
    A block of wood from which smaller pieces are cut or split. U.S.
    1639
    A shipp load of..pipe stauffes & clabboard boults.
    Portsmouth Rec. 10
    1646
    In case any shall make sale of it [sc. timber]..either in boards or bolts.
    Braintree Rec. 4
    1682
    Making of shingles or bolts.
    Plymouth Rec. 172
    1853
    This machine cuts, dresses, and joints a stave,..feeding itself from a bolt of wood.
    Transactions of Michigan Agricultural Society vol. 4 156
    U.S. English
4. III.11.
  1855–
  
  (See quots.)
  1855
  Bolts, narrow passages, or archways between houses.
  F. K. Robinson, Glossary of Yorkshire Words 18
  1880
  Bolt, a stone-built drain.
  M. A. Courtney, West Cornwall Words in M. A. Courtney & T. Q. Couch, Glossary of Words Cornwall 5/2
  1884
  A Local Board found it necessary, for the purpose of taking away the waste water, etc. of a village, to construct a covered bolt across a garden..The house..stands immediately over this bolt.
  Local Government Chron. 8 March 191
  the world physical sensation cleanness and dirtiness sanitation provision of sewers [nouns] sewer drain for carrying off waste-water
  waste-drain1833–
  
  A drain for carrying off waste water.
  bolt1855–
  
  (See quots.)
  View in Historical Thesaurus
  society travel means of travel route or way way, path, or track lane [nouns] between buildings
  twitchenOld English–
  
  A narrow lane or alley; a narrow passage. In early use also: a place where two or more roads meet or where a road forks. Cf. twitchel, n.¹
  charea1300–
  
  Local name for a narrow lane, alley, or wynd, in Newcastle and some neighbouring towns; also for some country lanes and field tracks, e.g. the…
  shut1300–
  
  A narrow alley-way or passage, often serving as a short cut between two streets.
  alley1360–
  
  A passage between buildings; a narrow street or lane, esp. one wide enough only for pedestrians; a back lane.
  entryc1405–
  
  Originally: an approach or passage leading to a building, an avenue (now rare). In later use (now English regional (chiefly northern, Scottish, and…
  wyndc1425–
  
  A narrow street or passage turning off from a main thoroughfare; a narrow cross-street; a lane or alley. In Scotland (and northern England).
  vennel1435–
  
  A narrow lane, passage, or thoroughfare in a town or city; an alley or wynd. Chiefly Scottish.
  trance1545–
  
  A passage between buildings, or across between two streets; an entry, an alley, a close; also, a passage into, within, or through a house.
  row1599–
  
  In Great Yarmouth, Norfolk: any one of a number of narrow lanes connecting the main streets.
  ginnel1669–
  
  dialect. A long narrow passage between houses, either roofed or unroofed.
  ruelle1679–
  
  In France or French-speaking regions: a small street; a lane, alley.
  gangway1785–
  
  A (narrow) passage or alleyway between buildings.
  back slum1819–
  
  Originally: a narrow alleyway, courtyard, etc., between or behind buildings in a densely populated area of a city or town; (hence, frequently in p…
  pend close1819–
  
  An arched passage.
  slum1819–
  
  Originally: a narrow alleyway, courtyard, etc., between or behind buildings in a densely populated area of a city or town; (hence, frequently in p…
  ope1825–
  
  English regional (south-western). An opening; spec. a narrow, usually covered, passage between houses; = opeway, n.
  jitty1836–
  
  A narrow passage or alley running between buildings, esp. rows of terraced houses; (also) a footpath enclosed on either side by parallel hedges…
  cut-through1847–
  
  A lane, alley, or path that takes a direct route between two places, esp. a narrow passage between buildings or rows of houses that is used by…
  scutchell1847–
  
  A narrow lane or passageway between buildings or hedges. Also: a narrow passage inside a house. Cf. twitchel, n.¹
  gully1849–
  
  A narrow passage between buildings; a lane or alley.
  bolt1855–
  
  (See quots.)
  opeway1881–
  
  = ope, n. B.2a.
  snicket1898–
  
  A narrow passage between houses, an alley-way.
  jigger1902–
  
  A passage between or at the back of houses; a back entry or alley. Merseyside.
  jowler1961–
  
  = jigger, n.¹ III.6c.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
5. III.12.
  1875–
  
  Bookbinding. The fold at the top and front edge of a folded sheet.
  1875
  Those leaves which present a double or quadruple fold, technically termed ‘the bolt’.
  R. Hunt & F. W. Rudler, Ure's Dictionary of Arts (ed. 7) vol. I. 423
  bookbinding
  society communication book leaves or pages of book [nouns] leaf parts of leaf
  bolt1875–
  
  Bookbinding. The fold at the top and front edge of a folded sheet.
  butt1921–
  
  Bookbinding. The piece of the inner margin of a single leaf of a book which projects as a narrow strip beyond the sewing or other fastening when…
  View in Historical Thesaurus
6. III.13.
  
  An obsolete or local name for some plants.
  1. III.13.a.
    
    The Globe-flower, Trollius (Gerard Appendix 1597), and Marsh Marigold.
  2. III.13.b.
    
    Species of Buttercup (Parkinson Theatr. Bot. 1640).

Pronunciation

British English

/bəʊlt/

bohlt

U.S. English

/boʊlt/

bohlt

Frequency

bolt typically occurs about six times per million words in modern written English.

bolt is in frequency band 5, which contains words occurring between 1 and 10 times per million words in modern written English. More about OED's frequency bands

Frequency data is computed programmatically, and should be regarded as an estimate.

Frequency of bolt, n.¹, 1750–2010

* Occurrences per million words in written English

Historical frequency series are derived from Google Books Ngrams (version 2), a data set based on the Google Books corpus of several million books printed in English between 1500 and 2010.

The overall frequency for a given word is calculated by summing frequencies for the main form of the word, any plural or inflected forms, and any major spelling variations.

For sets of homographs (distinct entries that share the same word-form, e.g. mole, n.¹, mole, n.², mole, n.³, etc.), we have estimated the frequency of each homograph entry as a fraction of the total Ngrams frequency for the word-form. This may result in inaccuracies.

Smoothing has been applied to series for lower-frequency words, using a moving-average algorithm. This reduces short-term fluctuations, which may be produced by variability in the content of the Google Books corpus.

Decade	Frequency per million words
1750	1.6
1760	1.7
1770	2.0
1780	2.2
1790	2.6
1800	2.9
1810	3.2
1820	3.6
1830	3.9
1840	4.2
1850	4.8
1860	5.4
1870	5.7
1880	6.3
1890	7.1
1900	8.2
1910	8.4
1920	7.8
1930	7.6
1940	7.0
1950	6.4
1960	5.3
1970	5.5
1980	5.9
1990	6.4
2000	6.3
2010	6.4

Frequency of bolt, n.¹, 2017–2024

* Occurrences per million words in written English

Modern frequency series are derived from a corpus of 20 billion words, covering the period from 2017 to the present. The corpus is mainly compiled from online news sources, and covers all major varieties of World English.

Period	Frequency per million words
2017	5.0
2018	4.8
2019	4.4
2020	4.2
2021	4.2
2022	4.4
2023	4.5
2024	4.5

Compounds & derived words

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All compounds & derived words
Curated compounds

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bolt, v.² ?c1225–

transitive. To secure (a door, etc.) with a bolt.

bowtell, n. 1376–

In stonework: a plain convex moulding; (also occasionally) a shaft forming part of a clustered pillar. Cf. torus, n. 1.

bolt, adv. c1405–

The noun is used similatively (cf. snow-white, adj. & n., sand-blind, adj.) = ‘as a bolt,’ in bolt up (obsolete), bolt upright (see upright, adj. &…

bird bolt, n. 1440–

A bolt (bolt, n.¹ I.1) used for shooting birds.

thunderbolt, n. c1440–

A supposed bolt or dart formerly believed to be the destructive agent in a lightning-flash when it ‘strikes’ anything; a flash of lightning conceived…

dog bolt, n. & adj. 1465–

Building, Engineering, and Nautical. Any of several kinds of device for holding something in place or holding two things together. Cf. dog, n.¹…

buttbolt, n. 1467

An arrow used for shooting at butts.

unbolt, v. 1470–

intransitive. Of a door: To have the bolt withdrawn.

chevel-bolt, n. 1480

Some kind of bolt in a carriage.

adderbolt, n. 1483–

A dragonfly. Cf. adder, n.¹ 3.

bolt-head, n. 1483–

Chemistry. A globular flask with a long cylindrical neck, used in distillation.

bot, n.² 1491–1627

A bolt.

lightning bolt, n. a1560–

A visible discharge of lightning, a thunderbolt. Cf. bolt, n.¹ I.2a.

bolt-bag, n. 1562

A quiver for bolts.

fire-bolt, n. ?1562–

A thunderbolt, a flash of lightning; also figurative.

hand-bolt, n. 1563–

A handcuff. Frequently in plural. Also figurative.

unbolted, adj.¹ c1565–

Not fastened with a bolt; released by withdrawal of a bolt.

turnbolt, n. 1569–

A sliding bolt that is rotated in order to be locked in position.

pease-bolt, n. 1573–1673

= pea straw, n.

light-bolt, n. 1582–

A thunderbolt; also figurative.

round bolt, n. 1582–1854

A bolt with a hole for a forelock.

cat-bolt, n. 1593–

bolt-glass, n. 1594

? = bolt-head, n. 2.

ringbolt, n. 1599–

A bolt with an eye at one end, to which a ring is attached.

beggars' bolts, n. 1608

Stones.

pikebolt, n. 1622

A sharp-pointed bolt.

tongue-bolt, n. 1622–

rag bolt, n. 1625–

A bolt having barbs on the shaft directed towards the head, so that it cannot be easily withdrawn after it is driven in.

bolt-rope, n. 1626–

‘A rope sewed all round the edge of the sail, to prevent the canvas from tearing.’ Smyth Sailor's Word-bk.

drive bolt, n. 1627–

A long bolt driven into position using a hammer or similar tool before final tightening.

forelock-bolt, n. 1627–

(See quots.).

set-bolt, n. 1627–

clinch-bolt, n. a1642–

A bolt that is clinched.

eyebolt, n. 1649–

A bolt or bar having an eye at one end, to receive a hook, ring, etc. Cf. eyebar, n. 1b.

bolted, adj.² 1651–

Closed and fastened with a bolt; also figurative.

pump bolt, n. 1669–

bolt's-shoot, n. 1677

The distance to which a bolt can be shot (cf. stone's throw, n., bowshot, n.).

fend-bolt, n. 1678–

= fender, n. 2b.

fender-bolt, n. 1678–

a. (See quot. 1867); b. a bolt by which a fender is attached to a ship, etc.

shackle-bolt, n. 1688–

dialect. A handcuff.

side bolt, n. 1688–

screw-bolt, n. 1690–

A straight rod or pin with an external spiral ridge and a blunt end onto which a nut may be threaded to bolt things together. Cf. bolt, n.¹ II.7a.

bolt-hole, n. 1691–

A hole through which a bolt passes.

rider bolt, n. 1691–

plate-bolt, n. 1703–1839

a. A bolt which slides on a flat plate; b. a bolt with a wide flat head.

prise-bolt, n. 1705–1877

A bolt on a gun carriage by which the gun is manoeuvred.

stopper-bolt, n. 1711–

(See quots.).

thumb-bolts, n. 1711

(plural) see quot.

shutter-bolt, n. 1737–

king bolt, n. 1740–

A bolt which passes vertically through the centre of an axle and connects it to the body of a vehicle, cart, or other wheeled object, typically…

key bolt, n. ?1740–

A bolt which is secured by a key or cotter, rather than by a thread and nut.

bracket-bolt, n. 1753–

An iron bolt securing a mortar to its brackets.

rivet bolt, n. 1766–

bed-bolt, n. 1769–

night bolt, n. 1775–

An inside bolt used to secure a door at night.

starting bolt, n. 1780–

A long bolt or pin, usually made of steel, used to drive another bolt out of its hole.

bolting, n.³ 1784–1886

A bundle of straw.

catch bolt, n. 1784–

Any type of bolt with a retaining catch; spec. one that yields to pressure to snap shut.

drop-bolt, n. 1786–

The bolt of the drop on a gallows.

carriage bolt, n. 1789–

Any of various bolts used in carriage-building; spec. (in later use) a large bolt with a round or oval head and a square collar below the head to…

ice bolt, n. 1789–

A cold piercing sensation, likened to a bolt (bolt, n.¹) of ice; a sudden deadly chill.

perch-bolt, n. 1789–

The bolt or pin on which the perch of a carriage turns.

rebolt, v. ?1792–

transitive. To bolt (a door) again.

bolt-iron, n. 1793–

Round bar iron.

jag-bolt, n. 1793–

See quot.

collar-bolt, n. 1794–

A bolt with a collar or ring.

shoulder bolt, n. 1794–

toggle-bolt, n. 1794–

a. A bolt having a hole through the head to receive a toggle; b. = toggle, n. 2f.

strap-bolt, n. 1795–

A bolt with a flattened end for screwing down to a surface.

roller bolt, n. 1796–

A short upright projection on the splinter bar of a carriage to which the trace (trace, n.² 1) can be attached.

locking bolt, n. 1803–

housing-bolt, n. 1807–

A bolt used in housing a gun on deck.

deadbolt, n. 1808–

A bolt in a lock that is engaged by means of a key, knob, or (later) electronic device, rather than by a spring action. Also: any of various types of…

draw bolt, n. 1809–

a. A sliding bolt used to secure a door; cf. drawbar, n. 1; b. the bolt of a coupling mechanism at the end of a railway carriage or other vehicle…

body bolt, n. 1810–

devil-bolt, n. 1811–1910

A bolt which has a false clinch, and is therefore insecure; a sham bolt; cf. devil, n. 14.

preventer bolt, n. 1815–

soul-bolt, n. 1815–

Usually in plural. Any of the notional bolts which fasten the soul in place. Chiefly in phrases expressive of violent shock or attack, as to knock…

channel bolt, n. 1820–94

A long bolt connecting a channel to the side of a ship.

levin-bolt, n. 1820–

through-bolt, n. 1821–

A bolt passing through the objects fastened by it, and secured at each end.

train bolt, n. 1822–

†a. Navy a ringbolt for securing the train tackle of a gun to a ship's deck (obsolete); b. Mechanics a large, substantial bolt.

truss-bolt, n. 1825–

A bolt or iron rod forming part of a truss (see quot.).

coach bolt, n. 1826–

Any of various bolts used in coach-building; spec. (in later use) a large bolt for fastening wood, having a square collar below a domed head to…

safety bolt, n. 1826–

= safety, n. II.9.

boltless, adj. 1832–

Without a bolt or bolts (in various senses); not formed into bolts, as ‘boltless lightning’ (poetic).

suspension bolt, n. 1837–

drag-bolt, n. 1838–95

A strong, removable metal bolt or pin used to couple a locomotive engine to a tender, truck, carriage, etc., or to couple any two of these to each…

plug bolt, n. 1838

stud bolt, n. 1838–

A bolt that is threaded at both ends.

tie-bolt, n. 1838–

A bolt which ties together the component parts of a structure.

anchor bolt, n. 1839–

A metal bolt used to secure structural components, esp. when fastening steel to stone or concrete, typically having a broad head, a flanged shaft, or…

stay-bolt, n. 1839–

A bolt connecting plates of a boiler, to secure them against internal pressure.

slide-bolt, n. 1841–

trussing-bolt, n. 1843–

joint bolt, n. 1844–

A bolt for holding together the two parts of a joint; spec. (see quots. 1884, 1964).

stretcher-bolt, n. 1844–

gate-bolt, n. 1845–

pivot bolt, n. 1848–

The central bolt about which a pivot gun oscillates horizontally.

rifle bolt, n. 1849–

a. = bolt, n.¹ I.3 (now chiefly historical); b. = bolt, n.¹ II.7b.

chain-bolt, n. 1850–

a. Nautical one of the bolts by which chain-plates are fastened to the ship's side; b. the bolt or knob at the end of a door-chain (see chain, n…

cotterel-bolt, n. 1850–

spade-bolt, n. 1850–

A form of bolt used in ironwork.

security bolt, n. 1851–

a. A bolt used to securely close a door, window, etc.; b. a device for securing a car tyre to the rim of the wheel.

shaft-bolt, n. 1852–

roof bolt, n. 1853–

A bolt for attaching something to or securing a roof; esp. (Mining) a tensioned rod anchoring the roof of a working to the strata above; cf. rock…

fish bolt, n. 1854–

Any of the bolts used to fasten a fishplate to a rail.

explosive bolt, n. 1857–

A crossbow quarrel, rifle bolt, or similar projectile of a type designed to explode automatically or upon impact. Cf. bolt, n.¹ I rare.

mortise bolt, n. 1857–

A bolt that fits into a mortise; spec. one used to secure a door.

stave bolt, n. 1857–

A piece of wood prepared for being made into barrel staves.

packing bolt, n. 1861–

plough bolt, n. 1862–

A bolt securing a ploughshare, etc., to the stock of a plough.

tap-bolt, n. 1864–

A threaded bolt which is screwed into a part, as distinguished from one that penetrates it and receives a nut.

drift-bolt, n. 1867–

See quot.

half-turning bolt, n. 1868–74

A bolt with a thread only on one half of its circumference, designed to be fastened into and unlocked from a similarly threaded hole with a half-turn.

needle-bolt, n. 1868–

The bolt which carries the needle in a needle-gun.

bolt action, n. 1871–

(See quot. 1969); also (with hyphen) attributive; also elliptical = a bolt-action gun.

flour-bolt, n. 1874–

A flour-sieve.

fox-bolt, n. 1874–

(See quot.).

garnish-bolt, n. 1874–

(See quot.).

knee-bolt, n. 1874–

lip-bolt, n. 1874–

= lip-head bolt, n..

sling-bolt, n. 1874–

stern-sling-bolt, n. 1874–

lewis-bolt, n. 1875–

‘A wedge-shaped bolt secured in its socket by lead, and used as a lewis in lifting’ (E. H. Knight Pract. Dict. Mech. 1875).

lip-head bolt, n. 1875–

(See quot.).

snap-bolt, n. 1875–

bolt-cutter, n. 1879–

One who cuts bolts; a machine for cutting bolts, or threads on bolts.

bolt-bearer, n. 1883–

guard-bolt, n. a1884–

(See quot. 1884).

machine bolt, n. a1884–

A bolt with a thread and a square or hexagonal head.

copper bolt, n. 1884–

(See quot.)

rock bolt, n. 1887–

A bolt for attaching something to rock; (Mining) a tensioned rod passing through a bed of rock and anchoring it to the body of rock behind; cf. roof…

tire-bolt, n. 1888–

A bolt used in securing the tire to the felloes (Encycl. Dict. 1888).

lug-bolt, n. 1889–

A cylindrical bolt, to which is welded a flat iron bar (Cent. Dict.).

wedge-bolt, n. 1892–

lag bolt, n. 1893–

a. A coach screw; b. a coach bolt.

hook bolt, n. 1899–

clapper-bolt, n. 1901–

The bolt by which the clapper is attached to a bell.

combination bolt, n. 1902–

One which can be opened only after a certain combination of movements has been performed.

barrel bolt, n. 1909–

A bolt made to slide into a barrel-shaped socket.

latch bolt, n. 1909–

(See quots.).

tower bolt, n. 1911–

= barrel bolt, n.

Molly bolt, n. 1960–

(A proprietary name) = molly, n.¹ 4.

bolt-boat, n.

Old term for a boat which makes good weather in a rough sea (Smyth Sailor's Word-bk.).

bolt-chisel, n.

A cold chisel for cutting bolts.

bolt-strake, n.

Certain strakes of plank which the beam fastenings pass through (Smyth Sailor's Word-bk.).

bolt-threader, n.

A machine for cutting screw-threads on bolts.

circular bolt, n.

‘A machine employed by the Nottingham lace manufacturers in making net’ (Simmonds Trade Dict.).

hammer-bolt, n.

C.1.
1859–

attributive quasi-adj. Bolt-like, bolt-shaped.
1859
The smallest had a little bolt head covered with woolly brown hair.
J. E. Tennent, Ceylon vol. II. viii. v. 368
the world space shape curvature curved three-dimensional shape or body cylinder [adjectives] of other cylindrical shapes
caked1686

Cake-shaped; having a rounded, flattened shape. Obsolete. rare.
tuberose1704–

= tuberous, adj.; tuberose sclerosis = tuberous sclerosis at tuberous, adj. 2.
cucumiform1826–

Of the shape of a cucumber.
sausage-like1852–

bolt1859–

attributive quasi-adj. Bolt-like, bolt-shaped.
cigar-shaped1887–

torpedo-shaped1903–

sausagey1921–

Resembling a sausage, esp. in appearance or shape; sausage-like.
whale-shaped1930–

Zeppelinistic1930–

Resembling a Zeppelin in shape.
top hat1934–

Shaped like a top hat.
View in Historical Thesaurus
C.2.
1. C.2.a.
  
  Combinations, as bolt-auger, bolt-extractor, bolt-header, bolt-maker, bolt-making, etc.
  1. bolt-bearer, n. 1883–
2. C.2.b.
  
  bolt-like, bolt-shaped adjs.
C.3.

Also bolt-head n., bolt-rope n.
1. bolt-bag, n. 1562
  
  A quiver for bolts.
1. bolt-glass, n. 1594
  
  ? = bolt-head, n. 2.
1. bolt's-shoot, n. 1677
  
  The distance to which a bolt can be shot (cf. stone's throw, n., bowshot, n.).
1. bolt-hole, n. 1691–
  
  A hole through which a bolt passes.
1. bolt-iron, n. 1793–
  
  Round bar iron.
1. bolt action, n. 1871–
  
  (See quot. 1969); also (with hyphen) attributive; also elliptical = a bolt-action gun.
1. bolt-cutter, n. 1879–
  
  One who cuts bolts; a machine for cutting bolts, or threads on bolts.
1. bolt-boat, n.
  
  Old term for a boat which makes good weather in a rough sea (Smyth Sailor's Word-bk.).
1. bolt-chisel, n.
  
  A cold chisel for cutting bolts.
1. bolt-strake, n.
  
  Certain strakes of plank which the beam fastenings pass through (Smyth Sailor's Word-bk.).
1. bolt-threader, n.
  
  A machine for cutting screw-threads on bolts.
C.4.

bolt-upright; see bolt adv.

Personal account

boltnoun1

Quotations

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Factsheet

What does the noun bolt mean?

Entry status

How common is the noun bolt?

How is the noun bolt pronounced?

British English

U.S. English

Where does the noun bolt come from?

Nearby entries

Etymology

Summary

Meaning & use

Quotations

Contents

Earlier version

In other dictionaries

Pronunciation

British English

U.S. English

Consonants

Vowels

Other symbols

Consonants

Vowels

Other symbols

Consonants

Vowels

Frequency

Frequency of bolt, n.¹, 1750–2010

Frequency of bolt, n.¹, 2017–2024

Compounds & derived words

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Quotations

Contents

Quotations

Earlier version

In other dictionaries

Factsheet

What does the noun bolt mean?

Entry status

How common is the noun bolt?

How is the noun bolt pronounced?

British English

U.S. English

Where does the noun bolt come from?

Nearby entries

Etymology

Summary

Meaning & use

Quotations

Contents

Earlier version

In other dictionaries

Pronunciation

British English

U.S. English

British English

Consonants

Vowels

Other symbols

U.S. English

Consonants

Vowels

Other symbols

Simple Text Respell

Consonants

Vowels

Frequency

Frequency of bolt, n.¹, 1750–2010

Frequency of bolt, n.¹, 2017–2024

Compounds & derived words

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Quotations

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