Bolero
/boʊˈlɛroʊ/noun
A Spanish dance in triple time, or a short, close-fitting jacket.
Did you know?Bolero entered English from Spanish, where it named both a dance and a jacket; the dance’s exact origin is debated, but it became a symbol of theatrical, highly stylized performance in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Etymological Timeline
18th Century
Spanish
bolero
“A lively Spanish dance in triple time, performed with stylized footwork and castanet-like rhythm.”
18th Century
Spanish
bolero
“A short, fitted jacket worn over a dress or blouse.”
Late 18th Century
French
boléro
“A borrowed term used for the dance and later the jacket.”
19th Century
English
bolero
“An imported name for the Spanish dance, and later for the fashion garment.”
Modern English
English
bolero
“A Spanish dance or a short, fitted jacket.”