dalliance

noun

dal·​li·​ance ˈda-lē-ən(t)s 

: an act of dallying: such as

a

: play

especially : amorous play

had dalliances with several women before getting married

b

: frivolous action : trifling

had a brief dalliance with acting

Synonyms

• 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

But when the owner's daughter disappears, he's tasked with finding her — and has a number of fun (wink) dalliances along the way. —Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025

While Paz and Guillermo’s wife Elena had a secret dalliance in bed, Justina found a collection of ribbons bearing her name among her Uncle Fede’s things. —Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 21 Sep. 2025

Frida’s terminally ill mom, Victoria (Montse Guallar), escapes into a hedonistic haze of morphine, imperious behavior, and pansexual dalliances. —Judy Berman, Time, 19 Sep. 2025

Labubu has come a long way, and the popular character created by artist Kasing Lung will mark her 10th birthday with a luxury dalliance. —Miles Socha, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2025

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