anchor bolt: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical/Industrial
Quick answer
What does “anchor bolt” mean?
A fastener designed to secure objects to concrete or masonry, consisting of a threaded bolt that is inserted into a pre-drilled hole and expands or locks in place to create a strong hold.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fastener designed to secure objects to concrete or masonry, consisting of a threaded bolt that is inserted into a pre-drilled hole and expands or locks in place to create a strong hold.
In a broader engineering or figurative sense, any critical securing component or person that provides foundational stability or support in a system or organization.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Term is identical; 'rawlbolt' is a UK-specific brand name often used generically for certain types of expansion anchor bolts.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both regions.
Frequency
Equally common in technical contexts in both UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “anchor bolt” in a Sentence
install [anchor bolt] in [concrete]secure [object] with [anchor bolt][anchor bolt] holds [load]fasten [anchor bolt] into [material]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anchor bolt” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The engineer specified M12 anchor bolts for the structural steelwork.
- You'll need a hammer drill to fit these anchor bolts into the brickwork.
American English
- The contractor installed 3/4-inch anchor bolts into the foundation before the concrete set.
- Check if the anchor bolt is rated for the seismic load.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in procurement, construction project specs.
Academic
Common in engineering, architecture, and construction management texts.
Everyday
Low; mainly in DIY or home improvement contexts.
Technical
High frequency in construction, civil engineering, and industrial maintenance manuals.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anchor bolt”
- Using 'anchor' alone when specificity is needed (an 'anchor' could be a wall plug).
- Pronouncing 'bolt' with a strong /ɔː/ as in 'ball' instead of /əʊ/ or /oʊ/.
- Omitting 'anchor' and just saying 'bolt', losing the technical meaning.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A regular bolt typically joins two components together via a nut. An anchor bolt is designed to embed into a base material like concrete and expands or bonds to create a secure point for attaching other objects.
Most are designed for permanent installation. Some types can be removed with difficulty, but it often damages the hole. Removable anchor systems exist but are less common.
A wall plug (or rawlplug) is a sleeve inserted into a hole to provide grip for a screw. An anchor bolt is a heavier-duty fastener that often includes its own expansion mechanism and is used for much higher loads.
Almost always. Cast-in-place anchor bolts are set into wet concrete before it hardens. For existing concrete/masonry, a hole must be drilled to the correct diameter and depth for the anchor bolt to be installed.
A fastener designed to secure objects to concrete or masonry, consisting of a threaded bolt that is inserted into a pre-drilled hole and expands or locks in place to create a strong hold.
Anchor bolt is usually technical/industrial in register.
Anchor bolt: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæŋkər bəʊlt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæŋkər boʊlt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the anchor bolt of the team (figurative)”
- “to be bolted down like an anchor bolt”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an ANCHOR for a ship, but it's a BOLT that 'anchors' something heavy to a wall or floor.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOUNDATIONAL SUPPORT IS AN ANCHOR; STABILITY IS BEING BOLTED DOWN.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of an anchor bolt?