dalliance

noun

dal·​li·​ance ˈda-lē-ən(t)s 

: an act of dallying: such as

a

: play

especially : amorous play

had several dalliances before getting married

b

: frivolous action : trifling

had a brief dalliance with acting

Synonyms of dalliance

• relaxation
• recreation
• fun
• amusement
• entertainment
• enjoyment

Examples of dalliance in a Sentence

an extremely serious scientist who is not much given to dalliance or idle chitchat

Recent Examples on the Web

The executive noted that Gucci, founded in 1921, has had dalliances with the car industry and auto racing, mentioning that the grandson of founder Aldo Gucci was a race car drive. —Miles Socha, Footwear News, 27 May 2026

The episode began with Lord John Grey (David Berry) waking up after he was kidnapped by Richardson, who threatened to expose several of his romantic dalliances with other men — including with his stepbrother, Percy, who confessed to their affairs, further damning John. —Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026

In between glistening, shirtless crunches and sexy dalliances, Crown’s motives become clearer. —Matt Donnelly, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026

Mickelson before this one had missed only one Masters in his career, in 2022 during his dalliance with PGA Tour rival LIV Golf. —Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

dalliance

noun

dal·​li·​ance ˈdal-ē-ən(t)s 

1

: play entry 1 sense 2

especially : the act of flirting

2

: action lacking in importance or seriousness

a short dalliance with politics