bolster
BOHL-ster
/ˈboʊlstər/
A long, narrow, cylindrical cushion or pillow, typically used for lumbar support or decoration.
As a noun, it refers to the specific sausage-shaped pillow. As a verb, it means to support or strengthen.
The story behind the word. Dating back to Proto-Germanic times, the word bolster comes from a root meaning 'something swollen or puffed up.' It has been used for over a thousand years to describe the long, firm pillows placed at the head of a bed underneath the softer sleeping pillows.
Word relationships
- cushion: Cushion is a broad term for any soft pad, while a bolster is specifically long and cylindrical.
Commonly confused with
- pillow: A pillow is typically soft and rectangular for sleeping, while a bolster is firm, cylindrical, and used for structural support.
Collocations
- cylindrical bolster
- firm bolster
- bolster pillow
Example sentences
- "To ease his lower back pain while reading in bed, he placed a firm bolster beneath his knees." A description of a comfortable bed setup.
Memory hook
A bolster pillow is shaped like a giant 'bolt' of fabric that 'bolsters' (supports) your back. Bolster: The cylindrical support.
When not to use
Do not use to describe standard square or rectangular throw pillows.
Fun facts
- In many Asian countries, long bolster pillows are affectionately referred to as 'bamboo wives' or 'hug pillows' and are used to keep the body cool during hot nights.
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