plural romances
1
: an exciting and usually short relationship between lovers
They had a brief romance when they were younger.
a summer romance
They've ended their romance.
Their friendship blossomed into romance.
a tale of love and romance
2
: the feeling of being in love
After only three years together, the romance in their relationship was gone.
3
a
: an exciting story often set in the past
a medieval romance
b
: a love story
She likes reading paperback romances.
an old-fashioned Hollywood romance
—often used before another nouna romance novel
4
a
: the quality of something that makes it exciting and attractive
the romance of the old West
The novel evoked the romance of Paris in the 20s.
b
: the excitement or emotional attraction that people feel for something
a book about America's romance with the open road
romances; romanced; romancing
1
: to have or try to have a romantic relationship with (someone)
He was always romancing younger women.
She was romanced by several wealthy young men.
2
US
: to give special attention to (someone) in order to get something that you want from that person
The museum's director spends a lot of time romancing potential donors.
a college athlete who's being romanced by several pro teams
3
: to talk about something in a way that makes it seem better than it really is
They were romancing about the past.
Cite this Entry
“Romance.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/romance. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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