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
But other bolt-holes stand out for giving the beds themselves extra attention, distinguishing them in some particularly charming or even surreal way (see beds carved out of literal ice).
—
Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 9 Mar. 2026
One of the first, exclusive members-only social clubs, Soho House debuted in London in 1995 and quickly became the bolt-hole of choice for celebrities and the deep-pocketed.
—Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026
And for those familiar with the region, their bolt-hole of choice was no surprise: Estelle Manor in Oxfordshire.
—Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 6 Feb. 2026
His magical renovation of Villa Mabrouka—the late Yves Saint Laurent's Tangier bolt-hole, with a Slim Aarons–worthy kidney-bean pool just outside the casbah—is as immaculately dressed down as an insouciant white linen shirt.
—Stephanie Rafanelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2023
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
Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 9 Mar. 2026
One of the first, exclusive members-only social clubs, Soho House debuted in London in 1995 and quickly became the bolt-hole of choice for celebrities and the deep-pocketed.
—Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026
And for those familiar with the region, their bolt-hole of choice was no surprise: Estelle Manor in Oxfordshire.
—Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 6 Feb. 2026
His magical renovation of Villa Mabrouka—the late Yves Saint Laurent's Tangier bolt-hole, with a Slim Aarons–worthy kidney-bean pool just outside the casbah—is as immaculately dressed down as an insouciant white linen shirt.
—Stephanie Rafanelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2023
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
-
If reaching a safe shelter is not possible, either crouch down in your car and cover your head, or leave your vehicle and seek refuge in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Apr. 2026
-
The definition of refuge is shelter, protection or safety from danger.—
Ticked Off,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Consider planning something restorative for the second half of the month, like a wellness retreat, a quiet escape, or simply a change of scenery that asks nothing of you.—
Steph Koyfman,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Apr. 2026
-
While the retreat center was not a primarily political place, its critics mostly ignored its political ambitions and successes.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
According to court documents, facility staff identified the suspect as Felicia Anderson, 39, who is listed as a shelter resident.—
Alexa Ashwell,
Baltimore Sun,
1 May 2026
-
In 2024, a record 2,100 sea lions parked themselves at the dock, with the Pier 39 marina providing an ideal living situation because of the available food and shelter from predators.—
Carlos E. Castañeda,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The whole thing feels more like a seaside sanctuary for people who’ve outgrown the noise.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The results leave St Pauli in 16th and in the relative sanctuary of the play-off place, with Wolfsburg one point behind and Heidenheim still bottom, four points further back.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Many other businesses considered similar moves, spooking the state's lawmakers, as Delaware, despite being a heavily Democratic state, has long been viewed as a haven for business.—
Garrett Downs,
CNBC,
1 May 2026
-
The town is known as a haven for outdoor and nature enthusiasts, as the region is home to Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.—
Dobrina Zhekova,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bolt-hole.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolt-hole. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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