boulder
boulder Lexical Profile
boulder Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A large rock or stone, typically one that has been worn smooth by erosion or transported by water or glaciers; in geology, any rock fragment with a diameter greater than 256 millimeters (about 10 inches).
"Hikers had to scramble over several massive granite boulders that had fallen across the mountain trail."
American A city in northern Colorado, United States, located at the base of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, known for its outdoor recreation and as the home of the main campus of the University of Colorado.
• verb
To engage in rock climbing on large boulders or low rock formations without the use of ropes or harnesses.
"On sunny weekends, local climbers gather in the state park to boulder along the sandstone outcrops."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse with the homophone 'bolder', which is the comparative form of the adjective 'bold' (meaning more courageous or confident).
• Rhymes for boulder
Word Origin & Etymology
Shortened from Middle English 'bulderston' (c. 1300), likely of Scandinavian origin and related to Swedish dialect 'bullersten' ('noisy stone', referring to a large stone in a stream that causes water to roar), from 'bullra' ('to roar or rumble').
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.