Search Dictionary
Definition of oleo

oleo

/ˈoʊliˌoʊ/
o · le · o
Plural:oleos
JUMP TO:

oleo Lexical Profile

oleo Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

American A butter substitute made from vegetable oils or animal fats; margarine.

Example

"My grandmother's old recipe card calls for a half cup of oleo instead of butter."

2

American In vaudeville or melodrama, a miscellaneous variety entertainment performed between the acts of a play or in front of a painted drop curtain.

Example

"While the stage crew changed the heavy scenery behind the curtain, the comedians performed a lively oleo for the audience."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for oleo

• Rhymes for oleo

• Nearby Words

oleander
olearia
olenyok
oleo
olericulture
olfactorily
olfactory

Word Origin & Etymology

Shortened in the late 19th century from 'oleomargarine', the food sense derives from Latin 'oleum' (oil), while the theatrical sense likely stems from Spanish 'olio' (a stew or medley).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Oleo. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/oleo
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.