dalliance

noun

dal·​li·​ance ˈda-lē-ən(t)s How to pronounce dalliance (audio)
: 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The 32-team Club World Cup that begins Saturday night in Miami Gardens, Fla., will count as a large step up from those dalliances. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 June 2025 And, much like Snoop Dogg’s mediocre Iz It a Crime, Wayne only makes glancing mention of his dalliance with Donald Trump. Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2025 Worse, the president’s dalliance with Monica Lewinsky, an intern, came to light in early 1998, fueling a political firestorm that crippled the White House. William J. Broad, New York Times, 19 May 2025 This dalliance is in addition to Carême’s more recreational entanglements, principally a love triangle between himself, ladies’ maid Henriette (Lyna Khoudri) and sous-chef Agathe (Alice Da Luz). Alison Herman, Variety, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dalliance

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dalliance was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Dalliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dalliance. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

dalliance

noun
dal·​li·​ance ˈdal-ē-ən(t)s How to pronounce dalliance (audio)
1
: play entry 1 sense 2
especially : the act of flirting
2
: action lacking in importance or seriousness
a short dalliance with politics

More from Merriam-Webster on dalliance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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