DictionaryboltRapid eating
verb

bolt

To swallow food quickly with little chewing.

He bolts his breakfast because the bus is already approaching.

Etymology

Old English bolt named a short arrow. The image of sudden, rapid movement extends to eating, in which food is sent down quickly instead of being carefully chewed.

More examples

  • She bolted the sandwich in a few hurried bites.
  • The dog tends to bolt its food.
  • They were bolting lunch before the meeting.

Forms

bolt · bolts · bolted · bolting

Similar words

gulp
Swallows quickly, especially liquid or large mouthfuls.
devour
Eats eagerly without necessarily little chewing.