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

This sentiment has been brewing since well before Julia’s last-ditch attempt to salvage her story line with her reunion revelation about her and Adriana de Moura’s past dalliances. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025

The story of an aimless college grad’s dalliance with an older woman—only to fall for her daughter—is as sophisticated as comedies, and coming of age stories, get. —John Ortved, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2025

Throughout those seasons, Benedict was the aloof middle brother, too busy drinking too much and partaking in gender-indiscriminate dalliances to want to settle down. —Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 14 Oct. 2025

Even before that though, there have been rumors about Williams’ potential dalliances with women for years. —James Factora, Them., 7 Oct. 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