polo

¹ American  

[poh-loh] / ˈpoʊ loʊ /

noun

1. a game played on horseback between two teams, each of four players, the object being to score points by driving a wooden ball into the opponents' goal using a long-handled mallet.

2. any game broadly resembling this, especially water polo.

3. polo shirt.

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Polo ² American  

[poh-loh] / ˈpoʊ loʊ /

noun

1. Marco c1254–1324, Venetian traveler.

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polo ¹ British  

/ ˈpəʊləʊ /

noun

1. a game similar to hockey played on horseback using long-handled mallets ( polo sticks ) and a wooden ball

2. any of several similar games, such as one played on bicycles

3. short for water polo

4. Also called: polo neck. 

   1. a collar on a garment, worn rolled over to fit closely round the neck

   2. a garment, esp a sweater, with such a collar

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Polo ² British  

/ ˈpəʊləʊ /

noun

1. Marco (ˈmɑːkəʊ). 1254–1324, Venetian merchant, famous for his account of his travels in Asia. After travelling overland to China (1271–75), he spent 17 years serving Kublai Khan before returning to Venice by sea (1292–95)

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Other Word Forms

• poloist noun

Etymology

Origin of polo

1835–45; < Balti (Tibetan language of Kashmir): ball

Explanation

Polo is a game in which players on horseback use long mallets to hit rolling balls. Polo is basically field hockey with horses. Modern polo was developed by British military officers in colonial India during the 19th century, inspired by an ancient South Asian sport. Its nickname, "the sport of kings," reflects polo's reputation as a pastime for the wealthy. To play polo, you need a horse — also known as a polo pony — and to belong to a club where the game can be practiced and played competitively. The name polo comes from the Tibetan pulu, "ball."

Example Sentences

Last year’s gnome sported a teal polo and held a peach ice cream sandwich, one of the tournament delicacies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

“The polo field is the ultimate blank canvas,” festival co-founder Paul Tollett said in the intro to the festival’s 2006 documentary, “Coachella: The Film.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Scottish Swimming, the national governing body for swimming, diving, open water, artistic swimming and water polo in Scotland, said it was "disappointed" by South Ayrshire Council's decision.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

I pull a brown polo shirt from an overstuffed rack and press it against me.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

All were instructed to dress in conservative casual wear: the women in blouses, straight skirts, and flat shoes; the men in polo shirts or button-downs, slacks, and loafers.

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell

Related Words

• blouse
• jersey
• pullover
• tunic
• turtleneck