body bolster: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (specialised term)Informal, specialist (bedding/wellness/home decor)
Quick answer
What does “body bolster” mean?
A long, cylindrical pillow specifically designed to support the full length of the body.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A long, cylindrical pillow specifically designed to support the full length of the body.
A large, firm cushion used for therapeutic support, comfort during sleep or relaxation, or as a decorative element on a bed or sofa.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used identically in both varieties. 'Bolster' itself is common in both BrE and AmE.
Connotations
Primarily associated with comfort, maternity support, orthopedic aid, and interior decoration.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects. More likely encountered in retail contexts for bedding, maternity, or wellness products.
Grammar
How to Use “body bolster” in a Sentence
to use a body bolster for [purpose]to sleep with a body bolsterto prop [oneself/legs] up on a body bolsterVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “body bolster” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Not commonly used as an adjective]
American English
- [Not commonly used as an adjective]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in retail, e-commerce, and marketing for home goods, bedding, and maternity products.
Academic
Rare; might appear in ergonomics, physiotherapy, or sleep studies literature.
Everyday
Used when discussing sleep aids, home comfort, or pregnancy.
Technical
Used in product descriptions within the bedding, orthopedic, or maternity care industries.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “body bolster”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “body bolster”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “body bolster”
- Using 'body pillow' exclusively (though common, 'body bolster' specifies the cylindrical shape).
- Confusing it with a regular 'bolster', which is often shorter and used for head support.
- Misspelling as 'bodybolster' (should be two words or hyphenated: 'body-bolster').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very similar, but a 'bolster' specifically denotes a firm, cylindrical shape. A 'body pillow' can be any shape, including rectangular.
Commonly used by pregnant women, side-sleepers, people with back/hip pain, and anyone seeking full-body sleep support.
They are sold by bedding retailers, maternity shops, orthopedic supply stores, and online marketplaces like Amazon.
Yes, it can be used on the floor or sofa for lumbar support while sitting, though its primary design is for reclining.
A long, cylindrical pillow specifically designed to support the full length of the body.
Body bolster is usually informal, specialist (bedding/wellness/home decor) in register.
Body bolster: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɒdi ˌbəʊlstə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɑːdi ˌboʊlstər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None specific to this compound term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BOLSTER (a long pillow) that is the length of your BODY. A 'body bolster' supports your whole body.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMFORT IS SUPPORT; THE BODY IS A STRUCTURE REQUIRING PROPPING.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a body bolster?