boulder dam: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowformal
Quick answer
What does “boulder dam” mean?
A large concrete dam on the Colorado River at the Arizona-Nevada border, forming Lake Mead.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large concrete dam on the Colorado River at the Arizona-Nevada border, forming Lake Mead.
The original name for the Hoover Dam, now less commonly used.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The name is primarily of relevance to American geography and history, though the structure is internationally known. UK usage would almost exclusively use "Hoover Dam" if referring to it at all.
Connotations
US: Historical, regional, or technical. Can carry a subtle connotation of pre-1930s/Depression-era usage. UK: Unfamiliar; likely seen as an error for 'Hoover Dam'.
Frequency
Extremely low in general English. 'Hoover Dam' is the overwhelmingly dominant term globally, including in the US. 'Boulder Dam' appears in historical texts, archives, or local lore.
Grammar
How to Use “boulder dam” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] was built...They renamed [Proper Noun] to...The construction of [Proper Noun]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used.
Academic
Used in historical, engineering, or American studies papers discussing the dam's planning and early construction period (1928-1935).
Everyday
Virtually never used in contemporary conversation.
Technical
May appear in historical engineering documents, archival blueprints, or legacy official names.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “boulder dam”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “boulder dam”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “boulder dam”
- Using 'Boulder Dam' in modern contexts instead of 'Hoover Dam'.
- Thinking it refers to a dam made of boulders.
- Misspelling as 'Bolder Dam'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is the same physical structure. 'Boulder Dam' was its name during certain periods in the 1930s and 1940s before 'Hoover Dam' became the permanent official name.
The name changed for political reasons. It was initially named Hoover Dam after President Herbert Hoover. During the Roosevelt administration, the name was changed to Boulder Dam. In 1947, Congress permanently restored the name Hoover Dam.
You should almost always use 'Hoover Dam', as it is the correct, current, and widely recognised name. Use 'Boulder Dam' only when specifically discussing the historical period when that name was official.
It is located on the border between the US states of Nevada and Arizona, in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River (originally considered the Boulder Canyon area).
A large concrete dam on the Colorado River at the Arizona-Nevada border, forming Lake Mead.
Boulder dam is usually formal in register.
Boulder dam: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbəʊl.də ˌdæm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈboʊl.dɚ ˌdæm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Built like Boulder Dam (very strong/sturdy - very rare, potentially regional)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A boulder is a large rock. The dam was originally named after Boulder Canyon, where it was built. Think: 'The dam in the canyon of boulders.'
Conceptual Metaphor
MONUMENT TO HUMAN ENDEAVOR (shared with Hoover Dam)
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Boulder Dam' best described as?