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

Throughout her 50-year career, Paquita, who died at 77, gained the respect of fellow Mexican musicians and paved the way for more women to break into the world of rancheras and boleros, which were once predominately male. —Pamela Avila, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025

Part of a jean jacket can snap off and be worn as a bolero. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 9 Jan. 2025

Angel Reese Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese was radiant in a red beaded crochet dress and bolero. —Violet Goldstone, WWD, 16 Oct. 2024

Her powder-blue cashmere dress and matching bolero jacket were widely viewed as a homage to Jacqueline Kennedy. —Scott Cacciola, New York Times, 19 Jan. 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