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

This week’s is the Besos Jazz Trio, featuring swing tunes and sambas, boleros and musettes. —Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026

The two-year process eventually led them to the lush, romantic bolero heard today. —Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 13 Mar. 2026

Emma Stone, who arrived with her husband Dave McCary, stunned in a purple spaghetti-strap gown, adding a velvet bolero. —Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 2 Mar. 2026

Wasabi green, which is quickly becoming cemented as a color to watch on the runways this week, popped up in the form of dresses and a sexy bolero and skirt set. —Anika Reed, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Spanish

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bolero

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

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