polo

1 of 2

noun (1)

po·​lo ˈpō-(ˌ)lō How to pronounce polo (audio)
1
: a game played by teams of players on horseback using mallets with long flexible handles to drive a wooden ball through goalposts
2
: water polo
3
: polo shirt
poloist
ˈpō-(ˌ)lō-ist How to pronounce polo (audio)
noun

poloist

2 of 2

noun (2)

po·​lo·​ist ˈpōlōə̇st How to pronounce poloist (audio)
plural -s
: a polo player

Examples of polo 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.
Noun
Learn to properly swing a mallet and glide across the field, or for the more confident rider, enjoy a day out playing with polo club members. — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 24 Aug. 2026 Water polo faces a deadline The issue for water polo teams is not simply finding somewhere to swim. — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026 This brown, blue, and cream-striped rugby polo sweater is nearly identical in palette to Roberts’s short-sleeve version, though Quince’s is a much better buy with cooler weather on the way. — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 22 Aug. 2026 Pieces in the collection range from $98 to $218 and include polos, a skort and a lightweight windbreaker, with performance features such as four-way stretch, moisture management and weather-resistant fabrics. — Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for polo

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Balti, ball

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of polo was in 1841

Phrases Containing polo

Rhymes for polo

See All Rhymes for polo

Browse Nearby Words

pollywog
polo
Polo
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Polo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polo. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

polo

noun
po·​lo ˈpō-lō How to pronounce polo (audio)
: a game played by teams of players on horseback using long-handled mallets to drive a wooden ball
poloist
ˈpō-lō-əst How to pronounce polo (audio)
noun

Biographical Definition

Polo

biographical name

Po·​lo ˈpō-(ˌ)lō How to pronounce Polo (audio)
Mar*co ˈmär-(ˌ)kō How to pronounce Polo (audio) 1254–1324 Venetian traveler

More from Merriam-Webster on polo

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about polo

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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