danced; dancing
1
: to move one's body rhythmically usually to music : to engage in or perform a dance (see dance entry 2 sense 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
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
dancer
noun
see also dance attendance
often attributive
1
: an act or instance of moving one's body rhythmically usually to music : an act or instance of dancing (see dance entry 1 sense 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
Synonyms of dance
Relevance
Verb
Noun
Examples of dance in a Sentence
Verb
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.
Noun
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.
Recent Examples on the Web
New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
The first modern Mardi Gras took place in New Orleans in 1827 when a group of students danced through the streets in colorful costumes, and the first parade took place a decade later.
—Alex Driggars, Austin American Statesman, 4 Feb. 2026
Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
But as far as some of these young pop stars, the female ones especially, Taylor has even shown us just the power of the internet and just one dance in a video, what that could spark.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dance
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Verb
At least for Gen X, the definitive Catherine will always be Kate Bush, dancing across the English countryside in a bright red dress in an indelible pre-MTV music video.
—New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
The first modern Mardi Gras took place in New Orleans in 1827 when a group of students danced through the streets in colorful costumes, and the first parade took place a decade later.
—Alex Driggars, Austin American Statesman, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
The center holds such community events as dances and fundraisers, according to the village website.
—Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
But as far as some of these young pop stars, the female ones especially, Taylor has even shown us just the power of the internet and just one dance in a video, what that could spark.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dance
Cite this Entry
“Dance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dance. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dance
1 of 2 verb
danced; dancing
1
: to engage in or perform a dance
2
: to move quickly up and down or about
3
: to perform or take part in as a dancer
dancer
noun
dance
2 of 2 noun1
: an act or instance of dancing
2
: a series of rhythmic and patterned bodily movements usually performed to music
3
: a social gathering for dancing
4
: a piece of music by which dancing may be guided
5
: the art of dancing
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