choreography

noun

cho·​re·​og·​ra·​phy ˌkȯr-ē-ˈä-grə-fē How to pronounce choreography (audio)
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 diplomacyWolfgang Saxon
choreographic adjective
choreographically 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 Below, the actor, 37, shares his experience on Shifting Gears, from those set visitors to having to perform choreography again after that viral dance in 2022's Three Wise Men and a Baby. Breanne L. Heldman, Peoplemag, 22 Mar. 2024 Over the past year, the students of Payson High School have been asking Bacon to attend their big dance by recreating scenes from Footloose, performing its iconic choreography and using the hashtag #BaconToPayson on social media. EW.com, 22 Mar. 2024 The choreography — by Rubén Olmo, the group’s artistic director — arranged the groupings adroitly. Brian Seibert, New York Times, 18 Mar. 2024 In June, Gyulai’s choreography will be featured in the inaugural performance of PointeWorks, a new, nonprofit dance company founded by San Diego native Sophie Williams. Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Mar. 2024 The vocal group performs Motown, old school and R&B hits with tight harmonies and smooth choreography. Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 17 Mar. 2024 Kevin Winter/Getty Images The choreography is similar to the big-budget movie musicals of yore, which also inspired Gerwig's vision for Barbie. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 11 Mar. 2024 Crystal trophies will be awarded for best vocals, choreography, costumes, instrumentals, the People’s Choice and Grand Champion. Sue Kiesewetter, The Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2024 And Shannon Guggenheim’s choreography parallels the freneticism of the original source material, the play mostly moving at breakneck speed. David John Chávez, The Mercury News, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'choreography.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1789, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of choreography was circa 1789

Dictionary Entries Near choreography

Cite this Entry

“Choreography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/choreography. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

choreography

noun
cho·​re·​og·​ra·​phy ˌkōr-ē-ˈäg-rə-fē How to pronounce choreography (audio)
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

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