polo
UK[ˈpəʊləʊ]US[ˈpoʊloʊ]
n
a game played on horseback between two teams, who try to hit a small ball into a goal using long-handled mallets.
n
a shirt made of knitted cotton fabric with a collar and a few buttons at the neck.
Etymology
the word "polo" entered the english language in the 19th century, borrowed from the hindi "polo," which itself derived from the tibetan language balti word "polo," meaning "ball." this tibetan term is the namesake for the equestrian sport, which originated in ancient persia and was popularized in british india. the modern sport's name is thus a direct transfer of the object central to the game. the term was later extended to describe a style of casual shirt, originally worn by polo players, cementing its association with the sport's attire.
Analysis
the word is a loanword from the balti language (a tibetan language), via hindi and persian, where "polo" referred to the ball used in the game. it functions as a simplex noun in english.
Examples
he has been playing polo professionally for over a decade.
she wore a crisp white polo and khaki shorts to the casual event.
the charity fundraiser featured an exhibition polo match.