rumba

noun

rum·​ba ˈrəm-bə 

ˈru̇m-, 

ˈrüm-

variants or less commonly rhumba

: a ballroom dance of Cuban origin in ²/₄ or ⁴/₄ time with a basic pattern of step-close-step and marked by a delayed transfer of weight and pronounced hip movements

also : the music for this dance

Examples of rumba in a Sentence

The band played a rumba.

Recent Examples on the Web

Hernando was from Cuba, tall and thin, young and gay, trained in classical ballet but practiced in every dance from waltz to rumba to salsa. —Betty Fussell, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025

Elaine Hendrix earns perfect scores in ‘DWTS’ finale Elaine Hendrix and partner Alan Bersten delivered a standout rumba in the Dancing With the Stars season 34 finale, earning unanimous praise from the judges and a perfect score. —Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025

Elaine Hendrix and dancing pro Alan Bersten were tasked to dance a rumba by judge Derek Hough. —Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 25 Nov. 2025

At the end of the night, Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sousa also received three 10s and one nine — Hough is saving his 10 paddle — for their stunning rumba. —Emily Longeretta, Variety, 22 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

rumba

noun

rum·​ba ˈrəm-bə 

ˈru̇m-

: a dance of Cuban origin