choreography

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

Updated on: 25 Apr 2018

Definition of choreography

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

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choreographic

play \ˌkȯr-ē-ə-ˈgra-fik\ adjective

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choreographically

play \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See choreography defined for English-language learners

See choreography defined for kids

Examples of choreography in a Sentence

He has an interest in choreography.
a show with excellent choreography

Recent Examples of choreography from the Web

Romeo & Juliet With a Twist Friday, April 27, 7-9 p.m. Features folkloric choreography and traditional music by Afro-Cuban artists.

— Sun-Sentinel.com, "Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park area events, April 18-28," 17 Apr. 2018
Along with their primary nods, the septet also received awards in the best collaboration, best choreography, and music video of the year categories, while member V was recognized for his role in the television show Hwarang as the best idol actor.

— tamar herman, Billboard, "BTS, GOT7 & Other K-Pop Acts Win Big at Soompi Awards," 16 Apr. 2018
In the end, Beyoncé’s symbolism works only because of the art itself: the thoughtful choreography, the committed execution, the moments of humor and subtlety.

— spencer kornhaber, The Atlantic, "Beyoncé Masters the Fierceness of Crowds," 16 Apr. 2018
Still, the relatively small orchestra and ensemble under the musical direction of Roberta Duchak make a beautiful sound, and both Otis Sallid’s choreography and Scott Davis’ modestly beguiling set have secrets, slowly revealed.

— chris jones, chicagotribune.com, "Drury Lane’s ‘South Pacific’ has Broadway stars and layers of storytelling," 15 Apr. 2018
There were also candid shots of Swift, her dancers and others as well as a photo of the pop star being lifted as part of what appears to be the show's choreography.

— lisa respers france, CNN, "Taylor Swift's 'Reputation' tour: Behind the scenes," 12 Apr. 2018
His credits included creating the choreography for the tours Aretha Franklin and Harry Belafonte and two productions of the Academy Awards in the 1970s.

— matt schudel, Washington Post, "Donald McKayle, choreographer of modern dance and Broadway stage, dies at 87," 10 Apr. 2018
Each of the performing groups was rated on showmanship, lip syncability, props and costumes, choreography and audience feedback.

— julie gallant, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Olive Peirce staff flirt with fame in lip sync contest," 2 Apr. 2018
Abdul again handles choreography, and the entire clip, which has just five cuts, plays like a Broadway music number.

— joey guerra, Houston Chronicle, "Janet Jackson's 'Control' album was released 32 years ago today," 4 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'choreography.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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.