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

As principals at Miami City Ballet, Kronenberg and Guerra performed the pas de deux and fell in love with it. — Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald, 10 Nov. 2026

Each year, three young ballerinas get to join the Rockettes on stage in the role of Clara, performing a classical ballet solo and pas de deux. — Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 8 Nov. 2026

What ensues is a pas de deux in which lover and wife are forced to collide within the family’s grand London townhouse. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2026

The protein megacomplex boasts multiple subunits in a precise structure, where antenna proteins are decorated with chlorophylls and other pigments and surround a core reaction center where electrons twirl in an elaborate pas de deux. — Quanta Magazine, 10 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, step for two

First Known Use

circa 1762, in the meaning defined at sense 1