dance

play

verb \ˈdan(t)s, ˈdän(t)s\

Definition of dance

danced

;

dancing

intransitive verb
1 : to move one's body rhythmically usually to music : to engage in or perform a dance (see ²dance 2) dancing to our favorite song Shall we dance?
2 : to move or seem to move up and down or about in a quick or lively manner dance for joy leaves dancing in the wind
transitive verb
1 : to perform or take part in as a dancer dance the waltz
2 : to cause to dance danced the baby on her knee
3 : to bring into a specified condition by dancing danced his way into her heart

danceable

play \ˈdan(t)-sə-bəl\ adjective

dancer

noun

dance attendance

: to attend in an eager and servile manner a celebrity used to having people dance attendance on him

See dance defined for English-language learners

See dance defined for kids

Examples of dance in a Sentence

He never learned how to dance.
She has always loved to dance.
I like the song but it's really hard to dance to.
He danced her across the floor.
She dances with a famous ballet company.
She's a great actress, and she can dance and sing, too.

Origin and Etymology of dance

Middle English dauncen, from Anglo-French dancer

NEW!

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Other Dance Terms

attitude, honor, saltatory, sashay, taw

dance

noun, often attributive

Definition of dance

1 : an act or instance of moving one's body rhythmically usually to music : an act or instance of dancing (see ¹dance 1) the couple's first dance as husband and wife May I have this dance?
2 : a series of rhythmic and patterned bodily movements usually performed to music slow dances dance moves
3 : a social gathering for dancing a high school dance
4 : a piece of music by which dancing may be guided
5 : the art of dancing studied dance in college

See dance defined for English-language learners

Examples of dance in a Sentence

They can do all the popular dances.
The only dance he knows how to do is the twist.
How about one more dance?
He stopped right in the middle of the dance to tie his shoe.
He did a celebration dance in the end zone after scoring the touchdown.
She studied dance in college.

Origin and Etymology of dance

see ¹dance

NEW!

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Other Dance Terms

attitude, honor, saltatory, sashay, taw

DANCE Defined for English Language Learners

dance

play

verb

Definition of dance for English Language Learners

: to move your body in a way that goes with the rhythm and style of music that is being played
: to move with and guide (someone) as music plays : to dance with (someone)
: to perform (a particular type of dance)

dance

noun

Definition of dance for English Language Learners

: a series of movements that are done as music is playing : a way of dancing
: an act of dancing
: the art or activity of dancing

DANCE Defined for Kids

dance

play

verb \ˈdans\

Definition of dance for Students

danced

;

dancing

1 : to step or move through a series of movements usually in time to music
2 : to move about or up and down quickly and lightly Butterflies danced in the garden.

dancer

noun

dance

play

noun

Definition of dance for Students

1 : an act of stepping or moving through a series of movements usually in time to music
2 : a social gathering for dancing
3 : a set of movements or steps for dancing usually in time to special music The samba is a popular dance of Brazil.
4 : the art of dancing She is studying dance.