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 two began a dalliance in 1952 and married in 1967, bringing three daughters for Claude and one daughter for François-Xavier to the relationship. — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 21 Aug. 2026

Neither dalliance threatens the primacy of the true central relationship. — Alison Herman, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026

Nobody in his immediate circle knows that Bret is gay, enjoying regular dalliances with class pothead Matt (Owen Painter) and pining over Ryan (Daniel Dale). — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026

Hanania’s dalliance with the tech right showed him what happens when otherwise smart people adopt an anti-elite political identity. — Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 19 July 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