Bolt: meaning, definitions and examples

Also can mean a fastener used to close or secure something, typically a door.

• He slid the bolt into place to lock the door.
• Make sure to bolt the luggage rack before we start driving.

Specifically refers to someone who runs short distances at very high speeds, typically in professional track and field settings or in competitive sports.

• Usain Bolt is a famous sprinter known for his incredible speed.
• During track practice, the coach asked the sprinter to focus on the start of the race.

Describes a person who generally moves or acts very fast. Often used informally or colloquially to talk about fast individuals or vehicles.

• That new sports car is a real speedster.
• On the track, he’s known as a speedster.

Relevant in competitive contexts, referring to someone who participates in races, either on foot, on vehicles, or in sports.

• The racer prepared his car for the upcoming race.
• As a professional racer, she trains every day to maintain her performance.

Used to refer to a fastener with a flat head that requires a nut to secure it. Common in construction, furniture assembly, and mechanical engineering.

• We need to tighten the bolts on the frame for extra stability.
• Make sure the bolt is the right size for the nut.

Used to refer to a fastener with a helical ridge, designed to penetrate materials and is commonly used to fasten wood, metal, and plastic. Common in woodworking, construction, and home improvement.

• We need longer screws to hang this heavy shelf.
• Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws on the hinge.

Used to refer to a small metal piece with a hole in the center, which is used with a bolt to fasten objects together. Common in maintenance, construction, and automotive industries.

• You'll need a wrench to secure the nut onto the bolt.
• The package includes several nuts and bolts for assembly.

Used to refer to a metal pin used to fasten pieces of metal or other material. Common in metalwork, aerospace, and some industrial applications.

• The airplane's wings are held together by thousands of rivets.
• Old-fashioned jeans often have rivets in the pockets for extra durability.