bolo

¹

[ boh-loh ]

noun

, plural bo·los.

1. a large, heavy, single-edged knife or machete for hacking, used in the Philippines and by the U.S. Army.

bolo

²

[ boh-loh ]

noun

, plural bo·los.

1. a soldier who does not meet the minimum standards of marksmanship.
2. a clumsy or incompetent soldier.

verb (used without object)

, bo·loed, bo·lo·ing.

1. to fail to meet the minimum standards of marksmanship.

bolo

³

[ boh-loh ]

noun

1. bolo tie.

BOLO

⁴

[ boh-loh ]

abbreviation for

1. be on the lookout: an instruction or warning to law enforcement personnel, or sometimes to the general public, to be watchful for the appearance of a criminal suspect or criminal activity:

   The police issued a BOLO at 2:14 p.m., just moments after the robbery was reported.

bolo

/ ˈbəʊləʊ /

noun

1. a large single-edged knife, originating in the Philippines

Word History and Origins

Origin of bolo¹

First recorded in 1900–05; from Philippine Spanish; further origin uncertain

Origin of bolo²

First recorded in 1915–20; said to be after Bolo Pascha (died 1918), German agent in France during World War I

Origin of bolo³

First recorded in 1975–80

Word History and Origins

Origin of bolo¹

Philippine Spanish, probably from a native word

Example Sentences

Her urban polish was a contrast to the stereotypical copper country getup of checkered shirt, western-style belt buckle, bolo tie and Stetson hat.

From Los Angeles Times

“And it said: Trump Sandwich. And then it goes on to describe it. Two slices of bread, bolo — wait a minute, two slices of white bread. Bologna, and a very small pickle.”

From Salon

“I feel his ultimate impact will be as the ultimate teacher,” said Wilkes, who wore a turquoise bolo tie gifted to him by Wooden.

From Seattle Times

And using a bolo knife, he prevented a German raid from reaching his French allies.

From Los Angeles Times

A chicken salad sandwich featured notably tender chicken-hunks — cooked in a combi oven — with local crabapple sauce, a restrained allspice-ginger aioli and pickled radish for contrast, all on a warm, cushy bolo roll.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• bayonet
• blade
• cutter
• dagger
• machete
• scalpel
• sickle
• skewer
• sword