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entrechat

noun
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en·​tre·​chat | \ ˈäⁿ(n)-trə-ˌshä How to pronounce entrechat (audio) \

Definition of entrechat

: a leap in which a ballet dancer repeatedly crosses the legs and sometimes beats them together

Examples of entrechat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Khozashvili pushed Dunn away at one point; Dunn faced off with Kuranaga before tossing off a solo of quick beats and entrechats; Kuranaga got between Breen Combes and Dunn; Baranova and Tapp briefly exchanged partners for no apparent reason. — Jeffrey Gantz, BostonGlobe.com, "Boston Ballet opens with high-octane ‘Parts in Suite’," 11 Mar. 2018 Breschi and Ataide took turns practicing the swift and buoyant movements in the dance-until-death scene, which includes more than 20 entrechats, or Olympian jumps while the legs scissor back and forth. — Marcia Manna, sandiegouniontribune.com, "In City Ballet's 'Giselle,' dancers find charm in classic work," 8 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'entrechat.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of entrechat

1706, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for entrechat

French, modification of Italian (capriola) intrecciata, literally, intertwined caper

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Time Traveler for entrechat

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The first known use of entrechat was in 1706

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Cite this Entry

“Entrechat.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entrechat. Accessed 13 December 2019.

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Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with entrechat

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about entrechat

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