Dance

/dæns/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A series of rhythmic and patterned movements, typically performed to music.
The dance was a beautiful expression of culture.
A social gathering for dancing.
We are planning a dance at the community center next week.
A specific style or form of dancing.
She is taking ballet dance classes every Saturday.
verb
To move rhythmically to music, typically following a set sequence of steps.
She loves to dance at parties and social gatherings.
To move or behave in a playful or lively way.
The children danced around the playground.
To perform a dance as a form of entertainment.
The troupe will dance at the festival this weekend.

Etymology

Middle English 'dancen', from Old French 'dancer', ultimately from Latin 'densus' meaning 'to leap'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

cut a rug
To dance energetically.
dance around the issue
To avoid directly addressing a topic.
dance to someone's tune
To do what someone else wants, usually against one's own wishes.

Related Words

ballroom
A large room used for formal dancing.
ballet
A highly technical form of dance with its own vocabulary.
hip-hop
A style of dance associated with hip-hop culture and music.

Slang Meanings

Get down
Let's get down and have some fun on the dance floor!
Shake it
Come on, shake it and show us your moves!
Bust a move
He really knows how to bust a move at parties.