bool: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Primarily technical/informal
Quick answer
What does “bool” mean?
A piece of curved metal or rigid wire used for fastening or holding things together.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A piece of curved metal or rigid wire used for fastening or holding things together.
A data type in computing that can have one of two values, typically true or false. Also, a loop or ring of a flexible material. In Scots dialect, a type of bowling ball.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The Scots dialect meaning (bowling ball) is specific to Scotland/UK. The general object meaning is identical. The computing term is universal in technical contexts.
Connotations
The general object has neutral, everyday connotations. In computing, it's a precise, technical term. The Scots usage has cultural/sporting connotations.
Frequency
As a fastener, it's common in both varieties. As a computing term, high frequency in IT/engineering globally. The Scots usage is low frequency outside Scotland.
Grammar
How to Use “bool” in a Sentence
VERB + bool (e.g., fasten, tighten)bool + VERB (e.g., holds, secures)bool + to + INFINITIVE (computing: The bool to determine state)ADJECTIVE + bool (e.g., Boolean, loose, tight)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bool” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He tried to bool the gate shut with a piece of wire.
American English
- She had to bool the tarp down before the storm hit.
adjective
British English
- Make sure the bool catch is properly engaged.
American English
- The bool data type is essential for control flow.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in IT business contexts discussing software logic.
Academic
Common in computer science, mathematics (logic), and engineering texts.
Everyday
Refers to the fastener object. 'Bool' for computing is not typical casual conversation.
Technical
Core term in programming, data structures, and digital logic design.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bool”
- Misspelling as 'boul' or 'boole'.
- In computing, using 'bool' as a general variable name instead of descriptive names like 'isValid'.
- Pronouncing the computing term with a short /ʊ/ (like 'book') instead of long /uː/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is both. As a noun for a fastener, it's a standard but somewhat specialised word. In computing, 'bool' is a universally recognised abbreviation for 'Boolean'.
It's a shortened form of 'Boolean', named after George Boole, the 19th-century mathematician who developed Boolean algebra.
It is pronounced with a long 'oo' sound, like 'boole' in 'Boolean' (/buːl/). It rhymes with 'cool' or 'pool'.
Yes, though it's rare and regional. It can mean to fasten or secure something with a bool (a curved fastener), e.g., 'He booled the latch shut.'
A piece of curved metal or rigid wire used for fastening or holding things together.
Bool is usually primarily technical/informal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The bool is on the other foot (Scots-influenced, rare variant of 'boot')”
- “By hook or by bool (archaic variant of 'by hook or by crook')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a **bool**ean value being like a light switch: it's either ON (true) or OFF (false). For the object, picture a **b**ent t**ool** = bool.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRUE/FALSE IS A SWITCH; FASTENING IS SECURING.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a typical meaning of 'bool'?