bollard

American  

[bol-erd] / ˈbɒl ərd /

noun

1. Nautical.

   1. a thick, low post, usually of iron or steel, mounted on a wharf or the like, to which mooring lines from vessels are attached.

   2. a small post to which lines are attached.

   3. bitt.

2. British. one of a series of short posts for excluding or diverting motor vehicles from a road, lawn, or the like.

---

bollard British  

/ ˈbɒlɑːd, ˈbɒləd /

noun

1. a strong wooden or metal post mounted on a wharf, quay, etc, used for securing mooring lines

2. a small post or marker placed on a kerb or traffic island to make it conspicuous to motorists

3. mountaineering an outcrop of rock or pillar of ice that may be used to belay a rope

---

Etymology

Origin of bollard

First recorded in 1835–45; bole ¹ + -ard

Example Sentences

A misconduct panel was also told Ms Stant drove her car into an entrance gate and bollard while working at a school in Bagworth, Leicestershire, in 2020.

From BBC • Nov. 6, 2025

A few thousand extra pounds on a pickup aren’t going to make or break a properly installed anti-ramming bollard.

From Slate • Jan. 7, 2025

Kara Duffus, a New Jersey–born artist who lives in the neighborhood, stood in the parking lot, a drawing board balanced on a bollard, sketching the Hut in the waning light.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 5, 2025

That’s about how long it takes to remove the car’s steering wheel club, undo four tire locks and lower a yellow bollard before backing out of his driveway.

From New York Times • Feb. 24, 2024

One let go, and his rope lashed itself loose from the bollard; but the other man, feeling the rope lift, instinctively clung on instead of letting go.

From "The Subtle Knife" by Philip Pullman