boulder: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, technical (geology, climbing), informal (metaphorical use)
Quick answer
What does “boulder” mean?
A very large, rounded rock that has been shaped by erosion, often by water or glaciers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very large, rounded rock that has been shaped by erosion, often by water or glaciers.
Beyond its geological sense, 'boulder' can metaphorically signify a significant obstacle or problem that is difficult to overcome. In rock climbing, it refers to the activity of bouldering, which involves climbing short, challenging routes without ropes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The sport 'bouldering' is spelled the same. Minor differences may exist in metaphorical phrasing frequency.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word evokes nature, wilderness, and primal strength. In American English, it is strongly associated with iconic landscapes like the American West.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to geographical features and the popularity of rock climbing/bouldering as a sport.
Grammar
How to Use “boulder” in a Sentence
[VERB] + boulder (e.g., move, dislodge, climb)boulder + [VERB] (e.g., rolled, fell, blocked)[ADJ] + boulderVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “boulder” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The walkers rested against a weathered limestone boulder.
- The farmer cleared the boulders from his field to make it ploughable.
- The geology students measured the striations on the glacial boulder.
American English
- A massive boulder blocked the trail after the landslide.
- He's a champion in bouldering, solving the most difficult problems.
- The garden was landscaped with native boulders and drought-resistant plants.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in metaphors for major obstacles: 'The regulatory changes presented a boulder in our path to market.'
Academic
Common in geology, physical geography, and archaeology. Precise size classification.
Everyday
Used to describe large rocks in landscapes, parks, or as obstacles. 'Kids were climbing on the boulder in the park.'
Technical
Specific term in geology (particle size classification), geomorphology, and rock climbing (bouldering as a discipline).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “boulder”
- Spelling: 'bolder' (more bold) vs. 'boulder'. Pronunciation: Misplacing stress as /bɑʊl'dər/. Using for any large rock without the 'rounded by erosion' nuance.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A boulder is a type of rock, but it specifically refers to a large, detached, and naturally rounded one. 'Rock' is a more general term.
Bouldering is a form of rock climbing performed on small rock formations or artificial walls without ropes, focusing on short, complex sequences of moves called 'problems'.
Informally, yes, meaning to engage in bouldering ('I'm going to boulder this afternoon'). It is not used to mean 'to throw rocks'.
A geological term for glacial deposit consisting of clay mixed with stones and boulders.
A very large, rounded rock that has been shaped by erosion, often by water or glaciers.
Boulder is usually formal, technical (geology, climbing), informal (metaphorical use) in register.
Boulder: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbəʊl.dər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈboʊl.dɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “like pushing a boulder uphill (an extremely difficult task)”
- “a boulder on one's chest (feeling of great anxiety or pressure)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BOLD, OLD, and SHOULDER-sized rock – a BOULDER.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROBLEMS ARE PHYSICAL OBSTACLES ('We hit a boulder in the negotiations'), DIFFICULTY IS WEIGHT ('A boulder of guilt').
Practice
Quiz
In geological terms, a 'boulder' is specifically defined by its: