bedpost

[ bed-pohst ]

noun

1. one of the upright supports of a bedstead.
2. bedposts, Bowling. a split in which the seven and ten pins remain standing.

bedpost

/ ˈbɛdˌpəʊst /

noun

1. any of the four vertical supports at the corners of a bedstead
2. between you and me and the bedpost informal.
   confidentially; in secret

Word History and Origins

Origin of bedpost¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; bed + post ¹

Example Sentences

He was raised working-class in Salford, near Manchester, and first heard hints of the stateside musical revolution by pressing his ear to his bedpost on Sunday nights.

From New York Times

Heavily disoriented, I staggered to my feet, grasping onto a bedpost to keep from falling.

From Literature

With a start I realized that the bedposts and the legs of the chair were growing out of the floor, thick at the base like roots, and coiling together.

From Literature

One student taped the bitmoji to his bedpost, next to where he works.

From Los Angeles Times

Joseph E.: Tie a piece of rope to your bedpost or to the side of the metal mattress frame.

From Washington Post