What does olio mean?
An olio is a miscellaneous collection, mixture, or medley, most often referring to music that combines pieces of different kinds or origins. The word can also denote a varied collection of subjects or objects. Its sound suggests something blended rather than uniform, much as an oil can be one ingredient in a mixture. Today it is uncommon in ordinary speech but remains intelligible and sometimes evocative in literary, historical, and musical contexts. In reviews of a concert, an olio would be a performance assembled from several songs, composers, genres, or traditions. Because the noun is rare, listeners may initially mistake it for a spelling or pronunciation of oleo, the name formerly used for a butter-like spread made from vegetable oils. In most modern writing, however, medley, collection, or mixture will communicate the intended meaning more directly.
nounA miscellaneous collection or mixture of things, especially a musical medley made from a variety of tunes or styles.
- A miscellaneous collection or mixture of things.
- A musical medley combining songs or instrumental pieces in various styles.
"The concert closed with an olio of folk songs, jazz standards, and improvised choruses."
"The programme included an olio of traditional songs, modern compositions, and folk tunes."
"Readers browsed an olio of poetry, short stories, and literary criticism."
The regular plural is olios.
"The festival featured several olios of music drawn from different traditions."
An olio is a medley in which many musical ingredients are blended into one.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does olio come from?
The English word comes through Italian olio, meaning “oil,” from Latin oleum. Its sense of a varied collection or musical medley developed in the nineteenth century, initially in connection with compilations of miscellaneous songs and instrumental pieces. The word is related to oil, oleic, and olive, reflecting the same inherited family of words associated with oils.
Related word forms
How olio is actually used
Rare and somewhat literary in general use; in discussions of music, the familiar word medley is normally preferred.
Easily confused with olio
Olio means a miscellaneous collection or musical medley, whereas oleo is an old term for a margarine-like substance made from vegetable oils.