choreography

noun

cho·​re·​og·​ra·​phy ˌkȯr-ē-ˈä-grə-fē How to pronounce choreography (audio)
plural choreographies
1
: the art of symbolically representing dancing
2
a
: the composition and arrangement of dances especially for ballet
b
: a composition created by this art
3
: something resembling choreography
… a snail-paced choreography of delicate high diplomacy …Wolfgang Saxon
choreographic adjective
choreographically adverb

Did you know?

In ancient Greece, a choreia was a circular dance accompanied by a singing chorus. But the actual notating of dances by means of symbols didn't begin until the 17th or 18th century, when ballet developed into a complex art form in France. The choreographer of a major ballet, which might run to an hour or more, will always record his or her work in notation, though choreographing a five-minute segment for a TV talent show usually doesn't require any record at all.

Examples of choreography in a Sentence

He has an interest in choreography. a show with excellent choreography
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.
So our choreography comes from this point first. William Earl, Variety, 12 June 2026 The choreography for the audition was taught by professional roller skater Solomon Snowden. Kaley Fedko, CBS News, 10 June 2026 The Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik musical Spring Awakening will get an Off Broadway revival this fall at Studio Seaview, with Tony-winning director Danya Taymor (The Outsiders) and The Testament of Ann Lee choreographer Celia Rowlson-Hall making her stage choreography debut. Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 June 2026 The production will feature choreography by Celia Rowlson-Hall in her theatrical debut, with music supervision by Or Matias. Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for choreography

Word History

Etymology

French chorégraphie, from Greek choreia + French -graphie -graphy

First Known Use

circa 1789, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of choreography was circa 1789

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Cite this Entry

“Choreography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/choreography. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

choreography

noun
cho·​re·​og·​ra·​phy ˌkōr-ē-ˈäg-rə-fē How to pronounce choreography (audio)
ˌkȯr-
: the art of arranging dances especially for ballet
choreograph
ˈkōr-ē-ə-ˌgraf
ˈkȯr-
verb
choreographer
ˌkōr-ē-ˈäg-rə-fər
ˌkȯr-
noun
choreographic
-ē-ə-ˈgraf-ik
adjective

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