bolshie

noun or adjective

bol·​shie ˈbōl-shē How to pronounce bolshie (audio)
ˈbȯl-,
ˈbäl-
variants or bolshy
1
often capitalized : bolshevik
2
British : refusing to obey or help : defiant and uncooperative

Examples of bolshie in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Leavers were more broadly motivated to restore British sovereignty, and so to revive national pride and a bolshie islander independence. Lionel Shriver, Harper's magazine, 10 Apr. 2019

Word History

Etymology

by shortening & alteration

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bolshie was in 1918

Dictionary Entries Near bolshie

Cite this Entry

“Bolshie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bolshie. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on bolshie

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!