O'Leary

noun

O'Lea·​ry

ōˈlirē,

-ler-

plural -es

: a game in which a child bounces a ball and executes prescribed movements (as crossing one leg over the ball) at certain words of an accompanying verse

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of Middle English a-lery, aliri crossed (used of the legs)

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!