bolo

noun

bo·​lo ˈbō-(ˌ)lō How to pronounce bolo (audio)
plural bolos
: 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

Dictionary Entries Near bolo

Cite this Entry

“Bolo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bolo. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

bolo

noun
bo·​lo ˈbō-lō How to pronounce bolo (audio)
plural bolos
: a long heavy single-edged knife used in the Philippines

More from Merriam-Webster on bolo

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!