boulder

noun

boul·​der ˈbōl-dər How to pronounce boulder (audio)
variants or less commonly bowlder
: a detached and rounded or much-worn mass of rock
bouldered adjective
bouldery adjective

Examples of boulder 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.
Aerial photo revealed several boulders, but the largest was hidden from view. Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025 Since its landing in February of 2021, Perseverance has traveled more than 22 miles (36 kilometers) across the Martian surface, analyzed 37 rocks and boulders, and collected 26 rock cores. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 29 May 2025 Then a 20-foot wall of trees, boulders and mud rockets straight at them. Jennifer Berry Hawes, ProPublica, 19 May 2025 Those bodies of liquid carve out shorelines, valleys, mountain ridges, icy boulders, mesas and dunes. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for boulder

Word History

Etymology

short for boulder stone, from Middle English bulder ston, partial translation of a word of Scandinavian origin; akin to Swedish dialect bullersten large stone in a stream, from buller noise + sten stone

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of boulder was in 1607

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Cite this Entry

“Boulder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boulder. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

boulder

noun
boul·​der ˈbōl-dər How to pronounce boulder (audio)
: a large detached and rounded or worn mass of rock

Geographical Definition

Boulder

geographical name

Boul·​der ˈbōl-dər How to pronounce Boulder (audio)
city northwest of Denver in north central Colorado population 97,385

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