Boulder: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：large rock (boulder)

boulder 🔊

/ˈboʊldər/

a very large, heavy, and round stone, often found near rivers or in mountains.

A large, smooth, rounded grey boulder resting on a riverbank, illustrating the definition of a boulder.

large rock 🔊

➕

/lɑːrdʒ rɒk/

A boulder is a very large, heavy, and typically rounded stone, often naturally occurring in environments like riversides or mountainous areas.

📁 Category：Natural Geography 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Middle English 'bulder', possibly from Old Norse 'bullr' meaning stone or boulder.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'boulder' as a 'bold' rock – it stands out boldly in nature due to its massive size.

📖 Example

The children tried to push the boulder but it was far too heavy for them. 🔊 The children attempted to move the large rock but found it excessively heavy.

🔗 Collocations

boulder field – an area densely covered with numerous large rocks

roll a boulder – to move a boulder by causing it to turn over

boulder climbing – the sport of climbing on large rocks without ropes

🔄 Synonyms

rock (n.) – a natural solid mass of mineral or petrified matter

stone (n.) – a piece of rock, often smaller or more general in size

cobble (n.) – a rounded stone typically used in paving or construction

🚫 Antonyms

pebble (n.) – a small, smooth stone often found on beaches or riverbeds

🌱 Derivatives

bouldering (n.) – the activity or sport of climbing on large rocks or boulders

📖 Cultural Story

The term 'boulder' originated in Middle English, influenced by Old Norse, referring to large stones commonly found in glacial or riverine settings, now widely used in geology and outdoor recreation.