conga

noun

con·​ga ˈkäŋ-gə 

1

: a Cuban dance of African origin involving three steps followed by a kick and performed by a group usually in single file

2

: a tall barrel-shaped or tapering drum of Afro-Cuban origin that is played with the hands

Illustration of conga

• conga 2

Examples of conga in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Kevin O’Connell on piano, Jean-Christophe Leroy on drums and timbales, Joe Rendon on congas, José Porcayo on bass, and Steve Eisen on reeds. —Gina Grillo, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026

As Candiace leads all the players away from the kitchen via conga, Rob R. grabs the tarot cards, and he and Lisa are left to decide whether to kill Monet, Rob C., Tara, or Kristen. —Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026

The accordion and percussive instruments like bongos, congas, timbales, cowbells and shakers form reggaeton beats and dancey tempos. —Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 30 Oct. 2025

Backing the nonchalant trio were multiple percussionists on wind chimes, congas, shakers, and more, as well as backup singers, a bassist, and an additional guitarist. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 28 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish, probably from feminine of congo black person, from Congo, region in Africa

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing conga

• conga line

Rhymes for conga

• longa
• sanga

Kids Definition

conga

noun

con·​ga ˈkäŋ-gə 

1

: a Cuban dance of African origin performed by a group usually in single file

2

: a tall narrow drum that is played with the hands