bolero

[ buh-lair-oh, boh- ]

noun

, plural bo·le·ros.

1. a lively Spanish dance in triple meter.
2. the music for this dance.
3. a jacket ending above or at the waistline, with or without collar, lapel, and sleeves, worn open in front.

bolero

/ bəˈlɛərəʊ /

noun

1. a Spanish dance, often accompanied by the guitar and castanets, usually in triple time
2. a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance
3. alsoˈbɒlərəʊ a kind of short jacket not reaching the waist, with or without sleeves and open at the front: worn by men in Spain and by women elsewhere

Word History and Origins

Origin of bolero¹

Borrowed into English from Spanish around 1780–90

Word History and Origins

Origin of bolero¹

C18: from Spanish; perhaps related to bola ball

Example Sentences

The song flutters with the levity of a bolero.

From Los Angeles Times

Aguilar also became a huge concert attraction across the Americas with a gentlemanly vocal style that harks back to 20th century Mexico — an intoxicating blend of jubilant ranchera and misty bolero pathos.

From Los Angeles Times

Early on, he wore a colorful bolero vest and a large tie done up in a bow.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2012, he was invited to testify before a parliamentary committee on drug policy, walking the halls in a black tank top and bolero hat.

From New York Times

“I remember him raking the earth, watering the plants and singing — everything from tangos to boleros,” she said, speaking in Spanish.

From New York Times