boulder

1 of 2

noun (1)

boul·​der ˈbōl-dər How to pronounce boulder (audio)
variants or less commonly bowlder
: a detached and rounded or much-worn mass of rock
bouldered
ˈbōl-dərd How to pronounce boulder (audio)
adjective
bouldery
ˈbōl-d(ə-)rē How to pronounce boulder (audio)
adjective

bouldering

2 of 2

noun (2)

boul·​der·​ing ˈbōl-d(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce bouldering (audio)
: the sport of rock climbing on large boulders or low cliffs
boulder intransitive verb
boulderer
ˈbōl-d(ə-)rər How to pronounce bouldering (audio)
noun

Examples of boulder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Founder Michalis Kontizas planted his vines among the volakes, the enormous rounded granite boulders that give this part of Tinos its almost lunar appearance. — Monica Mendal, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026 Avalanche deaths can also occur through blunt force trauma as the snow slides slam into people and sweep them into trees or boulders, or in some cases over cliff edges. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Noun
Eton's new sports center will also feature a climbing wall for bouldering and competitive climbing, as the new Olympic sport is gaining popularity. — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026 Asana is primarily a bouldering gym, meaning climbers ascend shorter walls without ropes or harnesses. — Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for boulder

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

short for boulder stone, from Middle English bulder ston, partial translation of a word of Scandinavian origin; akin to Swedish dialect bullersten large stone in a stream, from buller noise + sten stone

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1607, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of boulder was in 1607

Rhymes for boulder

See All Rhymes for boulder

Browse Nearby Words

boulangerite
boulder
Boulder
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Cite this Entry

“Boulder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boulder. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

boulder

noun
boul·​der ˈbōl-dər How to pronounce boulder (audio)
: a large detached and rounded or worn mass of rock

Geographical Definition

Boulder

geographical name

Boul·​der ˈbōl-dər How to pronounce Boulder (audio)
city northwest of Denver in north central Colorado population 97,385

More from Merriam-Webster on boulder

Nglish: Translation of boulder for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about boulder

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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