How do you use the word "bolt" in a sentence?

Here are real-life examples of using "bolt": A fool's bolt is soon shot. The news hit me like a bolt from the blue.

Bolt Meaning

/bɒlt/

Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

Definition

nounA (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.

nounLatch-related senses, A sliding pin or bar in a lock or latch mechanism.

Sentence Examples

A fool's bolt is soon shot.

The news hit me like a bolt from the blue.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms:

slap bang smack

Antonyms:

None

CEFR Practice Quiz

When the thunder clapped loudly, the frightened horse began to ____ across the field.

CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)

A ____ of lightning flashed across the dark sky during the storm.

Word Origin & History

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.

Literary Quotations & Historical Citations

"There was the noise of a bolt shot back, and the door opened a few inches, enough to show a long snout and a pair of sleepy blinking eyes." — 1908 October, Kenneth Grahame, “Mr. Badger”, in The Wind in the Willows, New York, N.Y.: Charles Scribner’s Sons, →OCLC, page 69:

"He shall to prison, and there die in boults." — 1594, Christopher Marlow[e], The Troublesome Raigne and Lamentable Death of Edward the Second, King of England: […], London: […] [Eliot’s Court Press] for Henry Bell, […], published 1622, →OCLC, (please specify the page):

"Away with him to prison! Lay bolts enough upon him:" — c. 1603–1604 (date written), William Shakespeare, “Measure for Measure”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene i]:

"All kinds of vegetables may be used as a topping, but the best are strongly flavoured ones without too much moisture, such as celery, garlic bolts, chives, scallions, or various beans (long beans, green beans etc.) ..." — 2013, Wong Yoon Wah, Durians Are Not the Only Fruit: Notes from the Tropics, Epigram Books, →ISBN:

"She ordered Cat's Ear Noodles heaped with garlic bolts and tomatoes, the broth thick with cumin, laced with black vinegar. The girl caught her accent, the sibilant sing-song of the south, and smiled, tilting her head questioningly." — 2017, Adam Brookes, The Spy's Daughter, Redhook, →ISBN:

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