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

Her songs blend a diverse range of genres — including urban, pop, regional Mexican, alternative rock and even bolero — with lyrics that span from existential themes to tracks filled with humor and unexpected imagery. — Natalia Cano, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2026

One way iLe has found to bring boleros into the 21st Century is by playing with listener ideas around gender. — Helena Alonso Paisley, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026

Reese’s top was paired with a long sleeve bolero shrug and a glossy croc-print leather skirt featuring a slit. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026

Legendary designer Elsa Schiaparelli created an entire collection centered around boleros in 1983. — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Spanish

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bolero

• bracero
• estero
• herero
• montero
• nonzero
• potrero
• primero
• prospero
• romero
• sombrero
• vaquero
• wheelbarrow

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