dalliance

noun

dal·​li·​ance ˈda-lē-ən(t)s 

: an act of dallying: such as

a

: play

especially : amorous play

had several dalliances before getting married

b

: frivolous action : trifling

had a brief dalliance with acting

Synonyms of dalliance

• relaxation
• recreation
• fun
• amusement
• entertainment
• enjoyment

Examples of dalliance in a Sentence

an extremely serious scientist who is not much given to dalliance or idle chitchat

Recent Examples on the Web

That dalliance reaches a potentially lethal tipping point that leaves Satoko in the hospital, newly inspired to create a romantic fairytale of her own. — James Marsh, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026

Morgan has no choice but to offer up the details of his dalliance with Flora, despite acting all sheepish about it. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026

That wasn’t the singer’s only dalliance with vintage Versace. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

McGuane had remunerative dalliances with ’70s Hollywood, selling screenplays and hobnobbing with the inebriate tranche of the A-list. — Ryan Chapman, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

dalliance

noun

dal·​li·​ance ˈdal-ē-ən(t)s 

1

: play entry 1 sense 2

especially : the act of flirting

2

: action lacking in importance or seriousness

a short dalliance with politics