bolo

noun

bo·lo ˈbō-(ˌ)lō

plural bolos

Synonyms of bolo next

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: a long heavy single-edged knife of Philippine origin used to cut vegetation and as a weapon

Word History

Etymology

Philippine Spanish

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of bolo was in 1870

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Bolo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bolo. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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Kids Definition

bolo

noun

bo·lo ˈbō-lō

plural bolos

: a long heavy single-edged knife used in the Philippines

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