# bolt vs bulb

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### 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.

### bulb
*noun · IPA /ˈbʌlb/ · frequency rank #11,846*
The bulb-shaped underground portion of a plant such as a tulip, consisting of a shortened stem and many fleshy scale leaves, from which the rest of the plant may be regrown.

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