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

Nicki Minaj will continue her dalliances with the MAGA movement, with the rapper set to appear at a Treasury Department event this week. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 26 Jan. 2026

Two upper-class wives, their husbands away for the day, share a few toasts to their pre-marital dalliances – with the same man, who just may be en route from France to visit. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2026

Online discourse lurks behind even offline behavior—Bud and Catherine’s polyamorous phase; the age-gap dalliance of their eldest daughter, Abigail, with an edgy vet nicknamed War Crimes Wes. —Gideon Leek, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2026

Details about what’s on the menu at the 130-spot are scarce but will continue to show off Kreuther’s dalliance with live fire. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 11 Jan. 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