bolero

noun

bo·​le·​ro bə-ˈler-(ˌ)ō 

-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

For a less predictable take on the brand, Simmons selected the Gliss bolero, a bomber-style design that has become one of Blazé Milano’s bestselling items along with the signature blazer jackets. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 3 Apr. 2025

The ranchera and bolero singer's official Instagram account shared the news of her death on Monday, Feb. 17. —Marina Watts, People.com, 18 Feb. 2025

But this deeply rooted music is a powerful magnet not only for her but for the audience, too, even if some wouldn’t know a bolero from a guajira. —Frank Rizzo, Variety, 20 Mar. 2025

The project showcased music styles like son, danzón, boleros and others that were popular in Cuba during its golden music age of the 1940s and 1950s. —Orlando Matos, NBC News, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Spanish

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bolero

• bracero
• estero
• herero
• montero
• potrero
• primero
• prospero
• romero
• sombrero
• vaquero
• wheelbarrow
• aero

Kids Definition

bolero

noun

bo·​le·​ro bə-ˈle(ə)r-ō 

plural boleros

1

: a Spanish dance in ¾ time

2

: a waist-length jacket open at the front