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Bolting Meaning in English

word · lemma: bolt

ˈboʊɫtɪŋ
BOHL-ting
bˈəʊltɪŋ
BOHL-ting

Definition

Rushing away suddenly, often out of fear or surprise; also, when plants flower or go to seed too soon, especially lettuce or spinach.

Usage & Nuances

Common in informal and descriptive speech. With people or animals: often implies fear/suddenness ('she's bolting from the room'). With plants: often in gardening contexts meaning lettuce or spinach is ruined for eating. Not to be confused with 'bolt' as a noun (metal fastener).

Example Sentences

The horse is bolting from the stable.

basic

My lettuce is bolting in the heat.

basic

The dog started bolting as soon as it heard the noise.

basic

She dropped her bag and went bolting down the street.

natural

I forgot to close the gate and now the goats are bolting everywhere!

natural

With this hot weather, all my spinach is bolting way too soon.

natural