bield: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very rare/archaic/regionalLiterary, poetic, regional, historical
Quick answer
What does “bield” mean?
A Scottish and Northern English word meaning shelter or refuge, especially from wind, weather, or danger.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Scottish and Northern English word meaning shelter or refuge, especially from wind, weather, or danger.
Historically, it also refers to the act of sheltering or protecting. In some extended poetic uses, it can mean a place of comfort or security more broadly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is used only in specific regional dialects of the UK (Scotland, Northern England). It is not used in American English at all.
Connotations
In British usage, it evokes rural, traditional, or harsh landscapes. It carries connotations of self-reliance and ruggedness.
Frequency
Extremely rare in modern British English; primarily found in historical texts, poetry, or place names (e.g., 'Bieldside' in Aberdeen). Unattested in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “bield” in a Sentence
[seek/find] + bield + [from/against] + [wind/storm/elements]take + bield + in + [place/structure]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bield” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The old wall bielded us from the worst of the haar.
- They bielded their sheep in the lee of the hill.
adjective
British English
- A bieldy spot out of the wind.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in historical/linguistic studies of Scots or Northern English dialects.
Everyday
Virtually never used in modern everyday conversation, even in Scotland.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bield”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bield”
- Using it as a common synonym for 'building'. Assuming it is in active use. Mispronouncing it to rhyme with 'field' (it rhymes with 'sealed').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare and considered archaic or dialectal. It is not part of the active vocabulary of most English speakers.
Only if you are writing about Scottish dialect, historical linguistics, or quoting poetry. Otherwise, use standard words like 'shelter' or 'refuge'.
'Bield' is a regional/archaic synonym. 'Shelter' is the standard, modern term. 'Bield' often carries a more rustic, elemental connotation.
Yes, but it is even rarer. As a verb, it means 'to shelter' or 'to protect', primarily in Scots usage (e.g., 'to bield someone from the wind').
A Scottish and Northern English word meaning shelter or refuge, especially from wind, weather, or danger.
Bield: in British English it is pronounced /biːld/, and in American English it is pronounced Not applicable / no standard American pronunciation. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Neither bield nor bield (a Scottish phrase meaning neither one thing nor another, neither shelter nor exposed).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a Scottish SHELD (shield) protecting you from a gale. 'Bield' sounds like 'be shielded' or 'build' a simple shelter.
Conceptual Metaphor
SAFETY IS SHELTER FROM A STORM; COMFORT IS A PHYSICAL STRUCTURE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'bield' most likely to be encountered?