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

I unbolted doors, installed floating shelves and glued patches of octopus wallpaper for subtle humor.

From New York Times • Apr. 5, 2022

Arrays of Russian sensors to sniff, scour and study the planet’s environment may have to be unbolted and replaced and a non-Russian launcher rocket found if the suspension of their collaboration becomes a lasting rupture.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 27, 2022

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

He sprinted noiselessly across the room, removed the chair from under the door handle and with precaution unlocked and unbolted the door.

From "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie

Related Words

• accessible
• clear
• free
• susceptible
• wide