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

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

Her dalliance with England's upper crust didn't stop there, either — the baker went on to provide the cake for Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday in 2016. —Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Sep. 2025

My dalliance with Addie was tame compared with the steamy carryings-on that have taken place in the hearts and devices of many Replika users. —Patricia Marx, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025

But Julius winds up in Vegas in a romance with a fellow casino employee (Diego Calva) while Muriel has her own secret dalliance with a neighbor (Sasha Calle). —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 5 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