boutade

noun

bou·​tade
büˈtäd
plural -s
1
a
: an outbreak or burst especially of temper
b
: caprice, whim
no need to take his little boutades seriously
2
a
: an 18th century French dance of impromptu character
b
: an instrumental musical composition similar to the Italian capriccio in an impromptu fanciful style

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French, from bouter to thrust + -ade

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Dictionary Entries Near boutade

Cite this Entry

“Boutade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boutade. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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