bola

noun

bo·​la ˈbō-lə How to pronounce bola (audio)
variants or bolas
ˈbō-ləs How to pronounce bola (audio)
plural bolas ˈbō-ləz How to pronounce bola (audio) also bolases
: a cord with weights attached to the ends for throwing at and entangling an animal

Illustration of bola

Illustration of bola

Examples of bola in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Arizona has a state firearm (the Colt Single Action revolver) and a state neckwear (the bola tie). — Casey Cep, The New Yorker, 28 Dec. 2024 The game is played in rounds, and each player has three bolas and must throw all three before the next player can go. — Moriah Mason, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2023

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish bolas, from Spanish bola ball

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bola was in 1818

Phrases Containing bola

Rhymes for bola

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Browse Nearby Words

Boksburg
bola
Bolan Pass
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Cite this Entry

“Bola.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bola. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

bola

noun
bo·​la ˈbō-lə How to pronounce bola (audio)
variants or bolas
-ləs How to pronounce bola (audio)
plural bolas
-ləz
: a cord with weights attached to the ends for throwing at and entangling an animal
Etymology

American Spanish bolas "bola," from Spanish bola "ball"

More from Merriam-Webster on bola

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bola

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