unbolted

¹ American  

[uhn-bohl-tid] / ʌnˈboʊl tɪd /

adjective

1. not fastened or secured, as with a bolt or bolts.

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unbolted ² American  

[uhn-bohl-tid] / ʌnˈboʊl tɪd /

adjective

1. not sifted, as grain.

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unbolted British  

/ ʌnˈbəʊltɪd /

adjective

1. (of grain, meal, or flour) not sifted

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Etymology

Origin of unbolted¹

First recorded in 1570–80; un- ¹ + bolt ¹ + -ed ²

Origin of unbolted²

First recorded in 1560–70; un- ¹ + bolt ² + -ed ²

Explanation

If something's unbolted, it's not locked or latched. Don't leave the back gate unbolted when you leave, or the goats will get out! When something is unbolted, its lock or bolt hasn't been secured in place. You can also say it's unlocked or unlatched. An unbolted front door can be opened by turning the knob, and an unbolted bike lock is basically useless against bicycle thieves. Unbolted comes from bolt, which as a noun has meant "stout pin for fastening objects together" since the 15th century.

Example Sentences

Last April, as part of the city’s reconstruction of Victor Steinbrueck Park, the poles were unbolted from their plinths and delivered to Discovery Park, where they have rested side by side, unprotected from the elements.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 23, 2023

For example, a converted 1991 Porsche can be unbolted and retuned back to its original state.

From The Verge • Nov. 22, 2021

The impact unbolted a large crystal chandelier above the ambassador’s desk that missed his head by inches.

From The New Yorker • May 13, 2016

Waits, on a dare, unbolted it from the front of a downtown bar one night.

From The Guardian • Aug. 7, 2012

Gran unbolted the door, and we stood in the doorway leading into her garage, shadows and dark outlines lurking throughout.

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas

Related Words

• accessible
• clear
• free
• susceptible
• wide