Boulder
/ˈboʊldər/
nounBeginner📊CommonGeneral
1 meaning1 question
Definitions
1
A large, rounded rock, typically one that has been detached from a larger rock formation.
/ˈboʊldər/
nounneutralBeginner
General
A large rock
A huge boulder blocked the path.
💡 Simply: A big rock.
More Examples
2
The children played hide-and-seek behind the boulder.
How It's Used
Geology
"The geologist examined the large boulder for signs of erosion."
Landscaping
"A massive boulder served as a focal point in the garden."
From Middle English boulde, bouldre, from Old English *bulder, from Proto-Germanic *bulþraz, from Proto-Indo-European *bʰel- (“to swell”). Related to words meaning 'to swell' or 'to bulge'.
The word 'boulder' has been used in English since at least the 14th century, predominantly describing large rocks in landscapes.
Memory tip
Imagine a big, round ball of rock, a 'bowl-der'.
Word Origin
LanguageOld English
Original meaning
"to swell or bulge"
large bouldermassive bouldersmooth boulder
Common misspellings
boulerboulderer
Practice
Usage
20%Spoken
80%Written