What does lazo mean?
Lazo is a Spanish-derived English noun best known for the decorative bow knot tied around a bull's neck in a bullfight. In Philippine English, the word also refers to a lasso or noose, a loop of rope used to catch an animal or person. The spelling may look unusual because English generally uses lasso for the rope instrument, but lazo is the direct Spanish form and has a distinct association with bullfighting ornament. A lazo is tied rather than thrown in the bullring, so it should not describe the bullfighter's rope loop unless the Philippine sense is intended. Outside Spanish-influenced settings, the word is uncommon and is most likely to appear in writing about Spanish bullfighting or Philippine English. Its interest lies in this dual history: it names both a carefully fashioned ceremonial knot and, in another regional tradition, a practical rope loop. Recognizing both senses helps explain why two similar words can refer to very different objects and actions.
nounA bow-shaped or ornamental knot, especially the knot tied around a bull's neck in a bullfight. In Philippine English, the word can also mean a lasso or rope noose.
- An ornamental bow knot tied around a bull's neck in a bullfight.
- A lasso or rope noose, especially in Philippine English.
"The matador tied a white lazo around the bull's neck before the final charge."
"In the bullring, the matador fastened a white lazo around the bull's neck."
"In a Philippine western, the ranch hand cast a lazo at the runaway horse."
The regular plural is used when referring to multiple knots or loops.
"The bullfighter fastened several brightly colored lazos during the ceremony."
A bull's lazo is tied rather than thrown, turning a familiar rope word into ceremonial adornment.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of lazo
English lazo was borrowed from Spanish lazo, a word meaning a bow, knot, loop, or noose and used particularly for the ornamental knot associated with bullfighting. Spanish lazo continues Latin laqueum, meaning a noose or snare. English lasso was borrowed from the same Spanish word, while lace and its derivatives also trace back to the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How lazo is actually used
Lazo is a Spanish loanword and is uncommon in general English. Its best-known English sense belongs to bullfighting, while the sense meaning a lasso is especially associated with Philippine usage.
Easily confused with lazo
A lasso is the English term for a loop of rope used to catch animals, whereas a lazo in bullfighting is an ornamental knot tied to a bull's neck.