choreography

noun

cho·​re·​og·​ra·​phy ˌkȯr-ē-ˈä-grə-fē 

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

ˌkȯr-ē-ə-ˈgra-fik 

adjective

choreographically

ˌkȯr-ē-ə-ˈgra-fi-k(ə-)lē 

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

Each of the four choreographers on the bill have created new choreography by drawing inspiration from visual art. — Leyla Shokoohe, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Sep. 2026

The day finished with a private ballet class in a rehearsal studio for the daughter with the ballet dancer, to create her own original choreography, inspired by the day’s explorations. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026

Urbanie Lucero’s choreography and movement direction maintain the production’s graceful poise. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Velma, meanwhile, is typically played by performers with substantial musical theater and dance experience, with its physically demanding choreography making the role a considerably different proposition. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1789, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for choreography

• arthrography
• biography
• cartography
• cosmography
• cryptography
• demography
• discography
• echography
• ethnography
• filmography
• geography
• hydrography

Kids Definition

choreography

noun

cho·​re·​og·​ra·​phy ˌkōr-ē-ˈäg-rə-fē 

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