A bolero can refer to several different things, depending on the context. Here are the different meanings of the term:

• Bolero (music): A genre of song that originated in eastern Cuba in the late 19th century as part of the trova tradition. It is characterized by sophisticated lyrics dealing with love and is generally in 4/4 time. Boleros can take a variety of musical forms and have been featured in the repertoire of Cuban son and rumba ensembles, as well as Spanish copla and flamenco singers, since the early 20th century. Occasionally, boleros have been merged with other forms to yield new subgenres, such as the bolero-son and the bolero-cha.

• Bolero (dance): A Spanish dance in 3/4 time that was popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It originated from the seguidilla and was performed as a solo or partner dance with a moderately slow tempo, accompanied by guitar and castanets, and with lyrics in the form of the seguidilla. The bolero became a popular dance in ballrooms across Spain during its heyday and was performed by Spanish troupes abroad along with other dances such as the cachucha. Many classical composers wrote pieces inspired by the genre, including Maurice Ravel, whose most famous piece is named after the dance, Boléro).

• Bolero (clothing): A short, open jacket that has a curved front opening and covers the back and shoulders. Boleros usually have sleeves and are waist-length or above the waist. They have a Latin American/Spanish lineage and were originally worn by dancers who performed the lively, foot-stamping dance of the same name. Bolero jackets can be worn over sleeveless dresses for added coverage or warmth and to avoid the boxy look of jackets. They usually do not come with fasteners and can be made from a variety of fabrics, including lace, silk, and satin. Boleros have been popular for many years and have been worn by both adults and children for dressy occasions.

• Bolero (song): A form of love song that originated in Cuba in the 19th century. It came into its own after mostly Mexican composers, working in the 1940s, wrote songs that became popular throughout the Spanish-speaking world. The lyrics often reflect themes of bittersweet, unrequited, betrayed, or eternal love. Boleros are slow, poetic, and bittersweet, and are meant to be slow-danced. They are a quintessential Latin American romantic song of the twentieth century.

In summary, a bolero can refer to a genre of song, a Spanish dance, a short jacket, or a form of love song.