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• olé
  olé

  interjection

  (used as a shout of approval, triumph, or encouragement.)
• ole-
  ole-

  variant of oleo- before a vowel.
• -ole
  -ole

  a 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;
• OLE
  OLE

  abbreviation

  object linking and embedding: a system for linking and embedding data, images, and programs from different sources

olé

¹ American  

[oh-ley] / oʊˈleɪ /

interjection

1. (used as a shout of approval, triumph, or encouragement.)

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noun

1. a cry of “olé.”

ole- ² American  

1. variant of oleo- before a vowel.

   oleiferous.

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-ole ³ American  

1. a 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;

   areole;

   centriole;

   vacuole.

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-ole ⁴ American  

1. a suffix used in names of chemical compounds, especially five-membered, unsaturated rings (carbazole; indole; thiazole ) and, less systematically, aromatic ethers (anisole; safrole ).

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-ole ¹ British  

combining form

1. denoting an organic unsaturated compound containing a 5-membered ring

   thiazole

2. denoting an aromatic organic ether

   anisole

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olé ² British  

/ əʊˈleɪ /

interjection

1. an exclamation of approval or encouragement customary at bullfights, flamenco dancing, and other Spanish or Latin American events

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noun

1. a cry of olé

-ole ³ British  

suffix

1. indicating something small

   arteriole

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OLE ⁴ British  

abbreviation

1. object linking and embedding: a system for linking and embedding data, images, and programs from different sources

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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

See Examples For:

olé OLE

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

As the taunting chants of olé, olé grew louder and echoed throughout the stadium each time Honduras completed a pass, the usually fleet-footed midfielder Atiba Hutchinson seemed to epitomize Canada's misfortune.

From New York Times ● Oct. 17, 2012

"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

Microglia treated with OLE were more effective at moving toward beta-amyloid deposits and helping remove them.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 19, 2026

Mice received OLE for three months, after which researchers examined both memory and brain changes.

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

And unlike lemon eucalyptus oil, OLE isn’t a true essential oil because it’s refined and concentrated.

From Washington Post ● Aug. 8, 2022

And this is what Scrubby tried to put in the letter: OLE KRISS: I want a tree, please, ole Kriss, right away.

From St. Nicholas, Vol. 5, No. 2, December, 1877 by Various