Definition of BOLSTER (original) (raw)
1
: a long pillow or cushion
2
: a structural part designed to eliminate friction or provide support or bearing (see bearing sense 5)
1
: to support with or as if with a bolster : reinforce
extra men will bolster already augmented dock details—
Stanley Levey
2
: to give a boost to
news that bolstered his spirits
Synonyms
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.
Turn your neck to one side and rest your head on the bolster. —Aubrey Bailey, Pt, Dpt, Cht, Verywell Health, 24 Jan. 2025 The braided side bolsters can also be reshaped to fit around a dog’s body to be even more comforting. —Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 1 Aug. 2024
And regular activity levels can help bolster sleep quality, which can improve focus during performances too, McMillian says. —Jordan Smith, SELF, 7 Feb. 2025 Even more alarmingly, his recent hateful rhetoric has begun to embolden white supremacists who’ve recently been spreading bigoted hate speech — and using West’s name to bolster their arguments. —Aja Romano, Vox, 7 Feb. 2025 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
Dictionary Entries Near bolster
Cite this Entry
“Bolster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bolster. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
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Last Updated: 9 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences
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