informal
used as a nickname for New Orleans
Jazz may have been born in NOLA at the turn of the century, but by the 1950s, the music of choice in New Orleans was rhythm & blues.B. Getz
After earning his degree from the Culinary Institute of New Orleans, [Chef Michael] Magee went on to work with top tier NOLA chefs including James Corwell, John Besh and Michael Gulotta.Lori Fredrich

Examples of NOLA 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.
As a result, the case at Porgy’s offers an ever-evolving roster of species not often found on NOLA menus: porgy, the place’s sweet, buttery namesake; colorful parrotfish; sheepshead, which have oddly human-like teeth; and even barracuda. AFAR Media, 14 July 2025 The Garden District Hotel's sibling property, The Blackbird Hotel, debuted in NOLA in late 2024 with 13 rooms, a courtyard, and a pool. Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2025 Jackson is expected to film his episodes in July, with production on NOLA King eyeing a February start, sources said. Lynette Rice, Deadline, 11 July 2025 There were cooking demonstrations, competitions hosted by famous NOLA natives, and plenty of insightful conversations led by greats, including Queen Afua, Chef Nina Compton, and more. Essence, 8 July 2025 With a vibrant cocktail culture and some of the best bars in the country, NOLA is known for its never-ending party. Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 Sources told Deadline that Jackson is scheduled to film his episodes of Tulsa King in July, with production on NOLA King reportedly slated to begin in February. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 6 June 2025 Jackson is expected to film his episodes in July, with production on NOLA King eying a February start, sources said. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 5 June 2025 The Free Jacks can clinch the No. 1 seed with a win at NOLA Gold in Round 17 on Saturday at 7 p.m.. Boston Herald Staff, Boston Herald, 2 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Orleans + LA, abbreviation for Louisiana

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of NOLA was in 1958

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Cite this Entry

“NOLA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/NOLA. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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