bolero

noun

bo·​le·​ro bə-ˈler-(ˌ)ō How to pronounce bolero (audio)
-ˈle-rō
plural boleros
1
: a Spanish dance characterized by sharp turns, stamping of the feet, and sudden pauses in a position with one arm arched over the head
also : music in ³/₄ time for a bolero
2
: a loose waist-length jacket open at the front

Examples of bolero in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The suit was made up of a bolero jacket and folded over trousers. — Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 4 May 2026 The two-year process eventually led them to the lush, romantic bolero heard today. — Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 13 Mar. 2026 And then when dancing began, the high-neck bolero and sleeves came off to create a simple, strapless sweetheart look. — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026 This week’s is the Besos Jazz Trio, featuring swing tunes and sambas, boleros and musettes. — Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bolero

Word History

Etymology

Spanish

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bolero was in 1787

Rhymes for bolero

See All Rhymes for bolero

Browse Nearby Words

boleite
bolero
Boletaceae
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bolero.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bolero. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bolero

noun
bo·​le·​ro bə-ˈle(ə)r-ō How to pronounce bolero (audio)
plural boleros
1
: a Spanish dance in ¾ time
2
: a waist-length jacket open at the front

More from Merriam-Webster on bolero

Nglish: Translation of bolero for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bolero

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