pas de deux

noun

ˌpä-də-ˈdər 

-ˈdə,

-ˈdü 

plural pas de deux ˌpä-də-ˈdər(z) 

-ˈdə(z),

-ˈdü(z)

1

: a dance or figure for two performers

2

: an intricate relationship or activity involving two parties or things

Examples of pas de deux in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And the pas de deux turns out to be the central metaphor of a series built on dualities, power struggles, romances, the attraction of opposites, the narcissism of small differences that divide counterparts on either side of an ocean. —Judy Berman, Time, 23 Apr. 2025

Sometimes the pas de deux between light showbiz dramedy and weightier themes, from the existential threats facing the arts community to the imminence of extinction-level environmental catastrophes, can feel disproportionate. —Judy Berman, Time, 23 Apr. 2025

Her dancers were all gay, and this enabled her, as a pop star, to present herself in a new kind of pas de deux with masculinity. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 18 Apr. 2025

Fashion and art have long danced a pas de deux, with artists evoking dress in their work and designers referencing art in their creations. —Dana Thomas, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, step for two

First Known Use

circa 1762, in the meaning defined at sense 1