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

Morgan has no choice but to offer up the details of his dalliance with Flora, despite acting all sheepish about it. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026

That wasn’t the singer’s only dalliance with vintage Versace. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

McGuane had remunerative dalliances with ’70s Hollywood, selling screenplays and hobnobbing with the inebriate tranche of the A-list. — Ryan Chapman, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026

But even as she and Tabitha are drawn into such dalliances and then bruised by them, the movie is less interested in passing judgment than in conjuring the freshman thrill of being young, curious and unguarded. — Natalia Winkelman, Variety, 20 Sep. 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