Dance
Pronunciation
- UK IPA: /dÉ‘Ëns/, /dæns/
- US IPA: /dæns/
- Rhymes: -É‘Ëns, -æns
Alternative forms
- daunce obsolete
Origin
Middle English daunsen, from Anglo-Norman dancer, dauncer ("to dance") (compare Old French dancier), from Frankish *dansÅn ("to draw, pull, stretch out, gesture") (compare Old High German dansÅn ("to draw, pull")), from Proto-Germanic *þansÅnÄ…
, from *þinsaną ("to draw, pull"). More at thin.
Full definition of dance
Noun
dance
(plural dances)- A sequence of rhythmic steps or movements usually performed to music, for pleasure or as a form of social interaction.
- A social gathering where dancing is designed to take place.
- (heraldiccharge) A fess that has been modified to zig-zag across the center of a coat of arms from dexter to sinister.
- A genre of modern music characterised by sampled beats, repetitive rhythms and few lyrics.
- (uncountable) The art, profession, and study of dancing.
Hyponyms
Derived terms
Verb
- (intransitive) To move with rhythmic steps or movements, especially in time to music.
- 1898, Winston Churchill, The Celebrity Chapter 4, “Well,†I answered, at first with uncertainty, then with inspiration, “he would do splendidly to lead your cotillon, if you think of having one.†¶ “So you do not dance, Mr. Crocker?†¶ I was somewhat set back by her perspicuity.
- I danced with her all night long.
- (intransitive) To leap or move lightly and rapidly.His eyes danced with pleasure as he spoke. She accused her political opponent of dancing around the issue instead of confronting it.
- ByronShadows in the glassy waters dance.
- (transitive) To perform the steps to.Have you ever danced the tango?
- (transitive) To cause to dance, or move nimbly or merrily about.
- William Shakespeareto dance our ringlets to the whistling wind
- William ShakespeareThy grandsire loved thee well;
Many a time he danced thee on his knee.