tango

1 of 3

noun

tan·​go ˈtaŋ-(ˌ)gō How to pronounce tango (audio)
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
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
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
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 Get The Recipe 14 of 30 Harvest Punch Give fresh apples and cinnamon time to tango so that all of their rich flavors can blend together before pouring yourself a glass. Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tango

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of tango was in 1913

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tango.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tango. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on tango

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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