# boil vs bolt

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### boil
*noun · IPA /bɔɪ(ə)l/ · frequency rank #9,139*
A localized accumulation of pus in the skin, resulting from infection.

### bolt
*noun · IPA /bɒlt/ · frequency rank #6,659*
A (usually) metal fastener consisting of a cylindrical body that is threaded, with a larger head on one end. It can be inserted into an unthreaded hole up to the head, with a nut then threaded on the other end; a heavy machine screw.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/boil-vs-bolt