1
: a dance performed by men in a circle holding a sword in the right hand and grasping the tip of a neighbor's sword in the left hand
2
: a dance performed over or around swords
sword dancer
noun
: one that performs or participates in a sword dance
Examples of sword dance in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 16 May 2026
While the sword dance makes for striking viewing, the real story lies beneath the spectacle.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 15 Feb. 2026
Belly dance, hula, tai chi, sword dance, Korean drum, Latin line dance and other presentations were scheduled as well.
—Penny E Schwartz, Oc Register, 4 Oct. 2025
The monarchs returned the favor with fighter-jet escorts of Air Force One, sword dances and state dinners in opulent palaces.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 16 May 2025
The Saudis rolled out the red carpet for his arrival, greeting him at the airport with a military jet flyover and later awarding him a gold medal -- the nation's top civilian honor -- and treating him to a traditional sword dance.
—Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 12 May 2025
That trip was highlighted by a mystifying photo op of the leaders gathered around a glowing orb and Trump briefly joining a ceremonial sword dance.
—Ellen Knickmeyer, Chris Megerian, Aamer Madhani, Anchorage Daily News, 15 July 2022
That visit was highlighted by the leaders gathered around a glowing orb and Trump briefly joining a ceremonial sword dance.
—Aamer Madhani, BostonGlobe.com, 15 July 2022
Trump chose Saudi Arabia as his first foreign travel destination, accepting a thick gold medal from the king, swaying along to a sword dance and touching a giant glowing orb as part of a lavish extravaganza that became emblematic of his fealty to the kingdom.
—Noah Bierman, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2022
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Attendees watched a variety of cultural performances, including a Chinese tea dance, Korean sword dance and Vietnamese fan dance.
—Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 16 May 2026
While the sword dance makes for striking viewing, the real story lies beneath the spectacle.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 15 Feb. 2026
Belly dance, hula, tai chi, sword dance, Korean drum, Latin line dance and other presentations were scheduled as well.
—Penny E Schwartz, Oc Register, 4 Oct. 2025
The monarchs returned the favor with fighter-jet escorts of Air Force One, sword dances and state dinners in opulent palaces.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 16 May 2025
The Saudis rolled out the red carpet for his arrival, greeting him at the airport with a military jet flyover and later awarding him a gold medal -- the nation's top civilian honor -- and treating him to a traditional sword dance.
—Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 12 May 2025
That trip was highlighted by a mystifying photo op of the leaders gathered around a glowing orb and Trump briefly joining a ceremonial sword dance.
—Ellen Knickmeyer, Chris Megerian, Aamer Madhani, Anchorage Daily News, 15 July 2022
That visit was highlighted by the leaders gathered around a glowing orb and Trump briefly joining a ceremonial sword dance.
—Aamer Madhani, BostonGlobe.com, 15 July 2022
Trump chose Saudi Arabia as his first foreign travel destination, accepting a thick gold medal from the king, swaying along to a sword dance and touching a giant glowing orb as part of a lavish extravaganza that became emblematic of his fealty to the kingdom.
—Noah Bierman, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2022
Cite this Entry
“Sword dance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sword%20dance. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
