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
Wolfgang Saxon
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
Black Swan excels by offering breathtaking dance choreography, and the film's gorgeous cinematography provides viewers with a tapestry of imagery unparalleled by most psychological horror films.
—Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Oct. 2025
Velasco chose the music of American composer Aaron Copland to accompany his choreography.
—Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
Early in the segment, Carpenter’s character, Queen Lisha—who paired motivational speeches with upbeat choreography—suffered a concussion after her backup dancers threw her a touch too hard into a window.
—Paula Mejía, The Atlantic, 19 Oct. 2025
During the event, participants will get gussied up in make-up and glam, dress in dazzling 1970s clothing, and learn real choreography from her most recent tour—Sabrina will serve as your director for the day.
—Mae Hamilton, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
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Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Oct. 2025
Velasco chose the music of American composer Aaron Copland to accompany his choreography.
—Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
Early in the segment, Carpenter’s character, Queen Lisha—who paired motivational speeches with upbeat choreography—suffered a concussion after her backup dancers threw her a touch too hard into a window.
—Paula Mejía, The Atlantic, 19 Oct. 2025
During the event, participants will get gussied up in make-up and glam, dress in dazzling 1970s clothing, and learn real choreography from her most recent tour—Sabrina will serve as your director for the day.
—Mae Hamilton, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for choreography
Cite this Entry
“Choreography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/choreography. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
choreography
noun
cho·re·og·ra·phy
ˌkōr-ē-ˈäg-rə-fē
ˌkȯr-
: the art of arranging dances especially for ballet
choreograph
verb
ˈkōr-ē-ə-ˌgraf
ˈkȯr-
choreographer
noun
ˌkōr-ē-ˈäg-rə-fər
ˌkȯr-
choreographic
adjective
-ē-ə-ˈgraf-ik
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