tango

1 of 3

noun

tan·​go ˈtaŋ-(ˌ)gō 

plural tangos

1

: a ballroom dance of Latin American origin in ²/₄ time with a basic pattern of step-step-step-step-close and characterized by long pauses and stylized body positions

also : the music for this dance

2

: interaction marked by a lack of straightforwardness

the suspect's tango with police

tango

2 of 3

verb

tangoed; tangoing; tangos

intransitive verb

: to dance the tango

Tango

3 of 3

communications code word

—used as a code word for the letter t

Examples of tango in a Sentence

Noun

The band played a tango.

Verb

He's trying to learn how to tango.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The very diverse album is home to trap, cumbia, salsa, merengue, flamenco, and tango melodies, and collaborations with Elena Rose, Maka, and WIU. —Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 28 Apr. 2025

The researchers will explore whether the effects of tango therapy can be sustained over time to improve movement and cognitive functions. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025

Verb

Florida’s 18-year-old sophomore arrived this month after a season at Arkansas ready to tango with fellow transfer Xaivian Lee of Princeton sure to have the Gators dancing again in March. —Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2025

June 19: Moon nears Saturn Around 2 a.m. local time on June 19, the half-moon and vivid Saturn will tango together in the eastern sky. —Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

American Spanish

First Known Use

Noun

1913, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1913, in the meaning defined above

Communications Code Word

1952, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tango

• mango
• chenango
• shenango

Kids Definition

tango

noun

tan·​go

ˈtaŋ-gō

plural tangos

: a ballroom dance of Latin-American origin to music in ²⁄₄ time and marked by pauses between steps and a variety of body postures

also : the music for a tango

tango verb