Meaning & use
bolt-ons
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“bolt-ons” is a form of “bolt-on”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounusually pluralinformal
Extra features, products or services added to something main, often at an extra cost.
Grammar: Often plural when talking about add-ons: the package has several bolt-ons.
Patterns
- bolt-ons for something
- add bolt-ons to something
The phone plan includes bolt-ons such as extra data and international calls.
Insurance bolt-ons can double the price of a holiday.
The software has useful bolt-ons that you can buy later.
nounusually pluralbusiness
Small companies bought by a larger one and joined onto its existing business.
Grammar: Used in business, often in the phrase bolt-on acquisitions.
Patterns
- bolt-on acquisitions
- buy bolt-ons
The firm grew by buying a series of smaller bolt-ons.
Analysts expect more bolt-ons in the sector this year.
Word forms
| singular | bolt-on |
|---|
Common combinations
- optional bolt-ons
- Optional bolt-ons are listed at the end of the quote.
- insurance bolt-ons
- Check what insurance bolt-ons you really need.
- bolt-on acquisitions
- The company made two bolt-on acquisitions last year.
- pay for bolt-ons
- You must pay for bolt-ons separately.
Synonyms and how they differ
- add-ons
- Add-ons is the closest and more neutral word, while bolt-ons suggests extras attached to an existing thing and often at a charge.
- extras
- Extras is a general everyday word and does not suggest that the item is attached afterward.
- supplements
- Supplements suggests something that completes or improves the main item and sounds more formal.
- attachments
- Attachments are physical or software parts that connect to a device, whereas bolt-ons can be services or companies too.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: bolt-ons or boltholes?
bolt-ons vs boltholes
A bolthole is a safe place to hide or retreat; bolt-ons are extra items added to something.
Practice
The basic package is cheap, but the ___ such as extra storage cost more.
Choose one answer.
Bolt-ons are extras added to a main product. Essentials would be included in the basic price, and rebates and originals do not mean added extras.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “bolt-ons”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.