bolster

1 of 2

noun

bol·​ster ˈbōl-stər How to pronounce bolster (audio)
Synonyms of bolsternext
1
: a long pillow or cushion
2
: a structural part designed to eliminate friction or provide support or bearing (see bearing sense 5)

bolster

2 of 2

verb

bolstered; bolstering ˈbōl-st(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce bolster (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to support with or as if with a bolster : reinforce
lay bolstered up in bed
extra men will bolster already augmented dock details—Stanley Levey
2
: to give a boost to
news that bolstered his spirits
bolsterer
ˈbōl-stər-ər How to pronounce bolster (audio)
noun

Synonyms of bolster

Relevance

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of bolster in a Sentence

Verb She came with me to bolster my confidence. a convincing argument that was bolstered by the speaker's reputation She is thinking of ways to bolster her career.
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
Their bolsters scream track day, yet they’re designed well enough not to feel out of place in a crossover. — Cyril Soliman, The Drive, 12 Feb. 2026 For a playful spin, swap the classic bolster pillow for a trio of disc pillows. — Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
The Rangers are adding Espinal for his valuable defensive versatility and contact skills, aiming to bolster their infield depth. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 Neymar came into the match about 10 minutes after Endrick, bolstering the offense with a flair that Brazil desperately needed. — Doha Madani, NBC news, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bolster

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old English belg bag — more at belly

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1508, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bolster was before the 12th century

Rhymes for bolster

See All Rhymes for bolster

Browse Nearby Words

Bolsonaro
bolster
bolster plate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bolster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bolster. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bolster

1 of 2 noun
bol·​ster ˈbōl-stər How to pronounce bolster (audio)
1
: a long pillow or cushion
2
: a structural part designed to eliminate friction or provide support

bolster

2 of 2 verb
bolstered; bolstering -st(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce bolster (audio)
: to support with or as if with a bolster
also : reinforce
came with me to bolster my spirits
bolsterer
-stər-ər How to pronounce bolster (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

bolster

transitive verb
bol·​ster
ˈbōl-stər
: to use evidence usually improperly to give weight to (evidence already introduced)

More from Merriam-Webster on bolster

Nglish: Translation of bolster for Spanish Speakers

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