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

They are named, in one of Glaspell’s dalliances with comedy inside tragedy, Tom, Dick, and Harry, though not in that order. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2026

Their dalliances with elite men made the tabloids, and their biographies were printed in guidebooks. — H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2026

The other week, the actor who initiated the role in the movie, Inde Navarrette, visited the horror event and had her own dalliance with one of the park’s Nikki performers. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Hans Op de Beeck’s first dalliance with a luxury house feels a lot like his art — hushed, contemplative, and slightly under the radar. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 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