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
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
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
Hannah Sacks, People.com, 20 June 2025
Long a holiday in the Black community and now federally recognized, the celebrations kick off each June 19, allowing people to gather, dance, reenact pivotal moments in history, and more.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 20 June 2025
Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2025
At just 17, the wiry triple-threat appears taller than expected — his spry frame helping explain the explosive dance moves that have the R&B world buzzing.
—Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for dance
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show current usage.
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Verb
Back in April, Kelly shared a video on his Instagram of himself and his daughter Casie as the two danced around and played with a DJ board at his birthday party.
—Hannah Sacks, People.com, 20 June 2025
Long a holiday in the Black community and now federally recognized, the celebrations kick off each June 19, allowing people to gather, dance, reenact pivotal moments in history, and more.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 20 June 2025
Noun
Highlights include live music, dance, and singing along with a car show featuring the Porsche Club of San Diego.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2025
At just 17, the wiry triple-threat appears taller than expected — his spry frame helping explain the explosive dance moves that have the R&B world buzzing.
—Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for dance
Cite this Entry
“Dance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dance. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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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