waltz

1 of 2

noun

ˈwȯl(t)s 

1

: a ballroom dance in ³/₄ time with strong accent on the first beat and a basic pattern of step-step-close

2

: music for a waltz or a concert composition in ³/₄ time

waltz

2 of 2

verb

waltzed; waltzing; waltzes

intransitive verb

1

: to dance a waltz

2

: to move or advance in a lively or conspicuous manner : flounce

3

a

: to advance easily and successfully : breeze

—often used with through

b

: to approach boldly

—used with up

can't just waltz up and introduce ourselves

transitive verb

1

: to dance a waltz with

2

: to grab and lead (someone) unceremoniously : march

waltzer noun

Examples of waltz in a Sentence

Noun

They danced a waltz together.

Johann Strauss wrote many beautiful waltzes.

Verb

He waltzed with his daughter at her wedding.

He waltzed her around the dance floor.

He came waltzing into the room.

She waltzed right up to him and introduced herself.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But don’t like waltz into your interview all casual with an iced coffee. — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Shum and Johnson earned 18 points for their waltz, a dip from their week 1 score of 21. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Sep. 2026

Verb

My cat decided to waltz in front of the phone's camera during the VO2 Max test at one point, and the test continued despite the brief obstruction. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026

Sixteen local candidates, all of them incumbent Democrats, are unopposed and will waltz into office without being challenged. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from German Walzer, from walzen "to turn from one side to another, roll" (going back to Middle High German, "to roll over") + -er -er entry 2 — more at welter entry 1

Verb

derivative of waltz entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1794, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing waltz

• waltz off with

Rhymes for waltz

• faults
• halts
• malts
• salts
• vaults
• asphalts
• assaults
• basalts
• defaults
• exalts
• somersaults
• thunderbolts

Kids Definition

waltz

1 of 2 noun

ˈwȯl(t)s 

: a ballroom dance in ¾ time with strong accent on the first beat

also : music for a waltz

waltz

2 of 2 verb

1

a

: to dance a waltz

b

: to dance a waltz with

2

a

: to proceed easily and successfully : breeze

waltzed through the test

b

: to approach boldly

can't just waltz up and introduce ourselves