samba

noun

sam·​ba ˈsam-bə  ˈsäm- 

: a Brazilian dance of African origin with a basic pattern of step-close-step-close and characterized by a dip and spring upward at each beat of the music

also : the music for this dance

samba intransitive verb

Examples of samba in a Sentence

The band played a samba.

Recent Examples on the Web

In her first collaboration with a Brazilian artist, Goebel blended the DCC’s crisp formations with funk, samba, hip-hop, twerking, and the voguing of Brazil’s ballroom scene. — Raymond Braun, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026

Inaba called out a lift in the couple’s samba routine and even read the definition of a lift during her critique. — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026

The seamless integration of true samba and more Super Bowl Halftime Show–worthy choreography is pretty incredible. — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026

Martin even showed off some fun footwork of his own to the vibrant beat of the song, which blends the sounds of pop, funk, samba, reggaeton, mambo and salsa. — Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 27 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for samba

• bomba
• mamba