pas de deux

noun

plural pas de deux ˌpä-də-ˈdər(z) How to pronounce pas de deux (audio)
-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 Their partnership has a rounded sophistication that can be rare in a contemporary pas de deux. Gia Kourlas, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2024 The addition of a pas de deux, choreographed by Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber, to link Acts I and II. Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 15 Nov. 2023 The pas de deux has a diamond-like prism effect, a lot of separating and coming back together. Roslyn Sulcas, New York Times, 17 Sep. 2023 The play’s usually dropped subtitle, An Apache Dance, refers to a form of physically rough pas de deux from turn-of-the-century Paris, often associated with the power play between prostitute and pimp. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2023 Skylar Brandt and Joo Won Ahn in a pas de deux from The Leaves Are Fading. Vogue, 25 Oct. 2023 The Don Quixote pas de deux with Catherine Hurlin and Daniel Camargo. Vogue, 25 Oct. 2023 There are three couples in the first movement and a pas de deux in the second — hauntingly danced by Unity Phelan and Adrian Danchig-Waring — but this work belongs to the corps de ballet. Gia Kourlas, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2023 Inoue and Akana’s pas de deux stuck out in the piece with complex and expansive movements, including turns and lifts. Steven Vargas, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pas de deux.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, step for two

First Known Use

circa 1762, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pas de deux was circa 1762

Dictionary Entries Near pas de deux

Cite this Entry

“Pas de deux.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pas%20de%20deux. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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