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
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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
With book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Ebb, Chicago is directed by Walter Bobbie with choreography by Ann Reinking.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 1 Dec. 2025
Isaac Mizrahi is the avuncular narrator; John Heginbotham conceived the witty choreography; Prokofiev’s characterful music is played by Ensemble Connect.
—Dan Stahl, New Yorker, 28 Nov. 2025
Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker is performed live by Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, with Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s choreography.
—Evan Moore
november 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 Nov. 2025
They were surrounded by a sea of dancers, performing fierce, razor-sharp choreography that absolutely slayed, every kick, snap and hair flip landing with K-pop precision.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for choreography
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Denise Petski, Deadline, 1 Dec. 2025
Isaac Mizrahi is the avuncular narrator; John Heginbotham conceived the witty choreography; Prokofiev’s characterful music is played by Ensemble Connect.
—Dan Stahl, New Yorker, 28 Nov. 2025
Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker is performed live by Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, with Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s choreography.
—Evan Moore
november 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 Nov. 2025
They were surrounded by a sea of dancers, performing fierce, razor-sharp choreography that absolutely slayed, every kick, snap and hair flip landing with K-pop precision.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 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 2 Dec. 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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