as in refuge
something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger
her cottage in the Lake District served as her bolt-hole whenever the stresses of London became too great
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Recent Examples of bolt-hole
The Broadwick Soho’s Flute James MacDonald Broadwick Soho For 57-room bolt-hole Broadwick Soho, owner Noel Hayden was inspired by his 1980s upbringing in a quirky hotel in Dorset.
—
Toby Skinner, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2024
Around that time, some smaller properties also debuted — boutique charmers like Castello di Vicarello, Borgo Santo Pietro, Villa Fontelunga, and the Val d'Orcia bolt-hole La Bandita Country Hotel.
—Lee Marshall, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2023
Toby Skinner, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2024
Around that time, some smaller properties also debuted — boutique charmers like Castello di Vicarello, Borgo Santo Pietro, Villa Fontelunga, and the Val d'Orcia bolt-hole La Bandita Country Hotel.
—Lee Marshall, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolt-hole
Noun
-
It’s designed to be a small refuge, a safe place with no strings attached in hopes of gaining trust and offering options.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 July 2025
-
Before the 1950s, the places where Houston’s fledgling LGBTQ+ community found refuge were scattered.—
Michael Barnes,
Austin American Statesman,
7 July 2025
Noun
-
As brands retreat from Pride, this company stepped up for visibility in rural towns.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
10 July 2025
-
That pattern—the burst of change followed by a retreat to the familiar—troubled me.—
Jeroen Tas,
Time,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT
Updated July 8,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 July 2025
-
If finding indoor shelter is not an option: Avoid open fields, hill peaks, or ridge tops.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
Thanks to these efforts, species like the kakapo and tuatara have been reintroduced to predator-free sanctuaries.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
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The plan is to expand the old sanctuary, creating an additional floor that will house a new youth center, according to a church newsletter.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
4 July 2025
Noun
-
Channel your inner naturalist and make your garden a haven for wildlife.—
Lauren Thomann,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 July 2025
-
At its inception, the River Room was a craft beer haven.—
Michael Deeds
July 14,
Idaho Statesman,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bolt-hole.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolt-hole. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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