pas de deux

noun

plural pas de deux ˌpä-də-ˈdər(z) How to pronounce pas de deux (audio)
-ˈdə(z),
-ˈdü(z)
1
: a dance or figure for two performers
2
: an intricate relationship or activity involving two parties or things

Examples of pas de deux in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The next move in this deadly pas de deux will likely be a strong response by the Israelis to last week’s Iranian missile assault. James Stavridis, The Mercury News, 8 Oct. 2024 According to press notes, filming took four days, including two days without an audience, allowing the cameras to join the dancers onstage at the Paris Opera in an additional pas de deux. Mark Peikert, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2024 In the moments of totality, wildlife will go still, the temperature will drop, and millions of people will gaze (hopefully each of them through eclipse-safe lenses) at a short celestial pas de deux. Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2024 Properly choreographed, the doctor-patient interaction becomes a pas de deux — two people in sync, jointly trying to solve a puzzle with each sharing their perspective and expertise. Eric Snoey, Twin Cities, 26 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for pas de deux 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pas de deux.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, step for two

First Known Use

circa 1762, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pas de deux was circa 1762

Dictionary Entries Near pas de deux

Cite this Entry

“Pas de deux.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pas%20de%20deux. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on pas de deux

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