bola

[ boh-luh ]

noun

, plural bo·las [boh, -l, uh, z].

1. Also a weapon consisting of two or more heavy balls secured to the ends of one or more strong cords, hurled by the Indians and gauchos of southern South America to entangle the legs of cattle and other animals.
2. bolo tie.

bola

/ ˈbəʊlə; ˈbəʊləs /

noun

1. a missile used by gauchos and Indians of South America, consisting of two or more heavy balls on a cord. It is hurled at a running quarry, such as an ox or rhea, so as to entangle its legs

Word History and Origins

Origin of bola¹

1835–45; < Spanish: ball < Old Provençal < Latin bulla bubble, knob; boil ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of bola¹

Spanish: ball, from Latin bulla knob

Example Sentences

Abel tried swinging the stone around and around above his head with a gradually lengthening line and then releasing it like a bola.

From Literature

The Tehuelche were innovators, too: Outsiders marveled at their bolas, weighted rope snares they swung and launched from horseback to hunt llamalike guanaco and flightless rhea birds.

From Science Magazine

Throughout the night, the organizer enthusiastically greets friends, checks in with the referee and yells the occasional “bola!” all while lugging around a tripod with his phone strapped to the top.

From Los Angeles Times

Sandi defends himself against the hired hands sent to kill him, such as Ramon — a psychotic barber armed with stainless steel shears — with only a bolas as his weapon.

From New York Times

She took the queso de bola, as we called it, and peeled the red waxy exterior with a short knife.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• blade
• knife
• sickle