bolo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Specialized/Historical
Quick answer
What does “bolo” mean?
A type of large, heavy knife or machete, originally from the Philippines.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of large, heavy knife or machete, originally from the Philippines.
A large, single-edged knife used as a tool or weapon, often associated with agricultural work, jungle clearing, and historical military use. In some contexts, it can refer to a type of necktie (bolo tie) in American English.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'bolo' is almost exclusively the knife. In American English, 'bolo' is commonly understood as a short form for 'bolo tie' (a type of neckwear). The knife sense is known but less frequent in everyday American use.
Connotations
UK: Historical weapon, colonial context. US: Western wear (for the tie), occasionally a military/survival knife.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties. The knife sense is slightly more likely in UK English. The tie sense is distinctly American.
Grammar
How to Use “bolo” in a Sentence
He cleared the path [with a bolo].The bolo [is used for] cutting sugarcane.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bolo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The farmer boloed the thick vines obstructing the track.
American English
- He boloed through the underbrush during the survival exercise.
adjective
British English
- The bolo blade was passed down through generations.
American English
- He wore a distinctive bolo-tie slide made of turquoise.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in retail for Western clothing (bolo ties).
Academic
Found in historical, anthropological, or military studies texts.
Everyday
Very rare. Recognised in the US for the necktie.
Technical
Used in descriptions of tools, survival gear, or historical weaponry.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bolo”
- Using 'bolo' to mean any large knife (it's a specific type).
- Pronouncing it /bɒl.oʊ/ (should be /boʊ.loʊ/ in US).
- Confusing 'bolo tie' with a 'bow tie'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A bolo is a specific type of machete, originating in the Philippines, with a distinctive forward-weighted blade designed for chopping.
Yes, though it's rare. It means to cut or strike with a bolo knife, e.g., 'He boloed the rope.'
A bolo tie is a type of neckwear consisting of a braided leather cord fastened with a decorative slide or clasp, associated with Western American style.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialized term. Most learners will encounter it only in specific historical, cultural, or sartorial contexts.
A type of large, heavy knife or machete, originally from the Philippines.
Bolo is usually specialized/historical in register.
Bolo: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbəʊ.ləʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈboʊ.loʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"Bolo'ed" (slang, rare): To be cut or struck with a bolo.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
BOLO = Big Outdoor LOpping tool. Or: Bolo tie looks like a BOW LOop.
Conceptual Metaphor
TOOL FOR CUTTING THROUGH OBSTACLES (e.g., 'He boloed his way through the bureaucracy').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common contemporary meaning of 'bolo' in American English?