Ballet

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈbæl.eɪ/
• US IPA: /bæˈleɪ/, /ˈbæl.eɪ/
• Rhymes: -æleɪ

Origin

From French ballet, from Italian balletto ("short dance, ballet"), diminutive form of ballo ("ball").

Full definition of ballet

Noun

1. A classical form of dance.
2. A theatrical presentation of such dancing, usually with music, sometimes in the form of a story.
3. The company of persons who perform this dance.
4. (music) A light part song, or madrigal, with a fa-la burden or chorus, most common with the Elizabethan madrigal composers.
5. (heraldry) A bearing in coats of arms representing one or more balls, called bezants, plates, etc., according to colour.

Derived terms

• ballet dancer
• ballet flats
• ballet music