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olé
oléinterjection(used as a shout of approval, triumph, or encouragement.)
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ole-
ole-variant of oleo- before a vowel.
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-ole
-olea suffix found in French loanwords of Latin origin, usually diminutives, and later in adaptations of words borrowed directly from Latin or in New Latin coinages: centriole;
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OLE
OLEabbreviationobject linking and embedding: a system for linking and embedding data, images, and programs from different sources
olé
1 Americaninterjection
noun
combining form
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denoting an organic unsaturated compound containing a 5-membered ring
thiazole
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denoting an aromatic organic ether
anisole
interjection
noun
suffix
abbreviation
Usage
What does olé mean? Olé is an exclamation of approval, encouragement, or victory. The unrelated word ole, without the accent mark over the e, is simply a version of the word old meant to imitate how it is sometimes pronounced. Olé, pronounced [ oh-LAY ], comes from Spanish and is often associated with its use during Spanish or Latin American events or activities, such as when it’s shouted by spectators during bullfights or certain dances. More recently, it has become a popular chant by fans at soccer (football) games, especially to mark a team’s victory. Ole (pronounced like old without the d) is colloquial, meaning it’s typically used in informal conversation. It’s especially used to intensify the meaning of another adjective that it’s paired with, as in Look at that big ole truck. It’s sometimes spelled ol’. Example: When I visited Spain, I finally got to see people chanting, "Olé!" in a big ole arena, just like in the movies!
Etymology
Origin of olé1
First recorded in 1910–15; from Spanish ole, olé, from Arabic wa-llāh “and Allah,” from wa “and” + allāh “God, Allah”
Origin of -ole3
From French, from Latin -olus, -ola, -olum, variant of -ulus -ule with stems ending in a vowel
Origin of -ole4
< French < Latin oleum oil
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
After bidding a hearty olé to my literary brethren, I reach Café Gijón, outside the bounds of Las Letras, but not its spirit.
From Salon ● Jun. 23, 2026
“Without her, none of this would have been possible,” Milei told the crowd that chanted “Olé, olé, boss, boss.”
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 21, 2023
He got the fans out of their seats in the third game with spectacular hitting and an early break of serve; chants of “¡Olé, olé olé olé!” broke out between points.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 11, 2022
Entering another stadium on Tuesday evening, he was greeted by thousands waving flags and singing, with shouts of “Olé, olé, olé, Francis” echoing through the arena.
From New York Times ● Feb. 16, 2016
"Championy, Championy, olé olé olé," they cried around the winners' enclosure as the famously understated McCoy let the relief flood out and held the trophy he has coveted for so long aloft.
From BBC ● Apr. 10, 2010
According to the study, OLE helps microglia surround and contain beta-amyloid plaques, reducing both their size and their harmful effects.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 19, 2026
Treatment with OLE reduced the buildup of protein aggregates and improved the animals' movement, indicating a protective effect.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 19, 2026
Compared with DEET, less is known about OLE and picaridin, but evidence suggests that they’re safe when used according to the label.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 8, 2022
If you’re interested in a naturally derived repellent that should last longer, look for products with OLE.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 8, 2022
So do VIEUXTEMPS, and OLE BULL, and TOM BAKER, and others too numerous to mention.
From Punchinello, Volume 2, No. 30, October 22, 1870 by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.