What does "ballet" mean?

1. (the art form) a style of artistic dance that uses very graceful and controlled movements. 2. (a performance) a show or story told through this type of dancing, usually with music. 3. (a dance company) the group of professional dancers who work and perform together. 4. (to move gracefully) to move in a way that looks like a ballet dancer.

ballet

n. · v.

US //bæˈɫeɪ// UK //bˈæleɪ// bal·let

1 the art form (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a style of artistic dance that uses very graceful and controlled movements.

a classical dance form characterized by grace and precision of movement and by elaborate formal gestures, steps, and poses.

Example

She has been practicing ballet since she was five years old.

Example

The curriculum focuses on the fundamentals of classical ballet, emphasizing correct posture and the development of core strength.
- classical dance
2 a performance (n.)
B1 Intermediate Theatre

a show or story told through this type of dancing, usually with music.

a theatrical representation of a story or theme performed to music by ballet dancers.

Example

We went to see a beautiful ballet at the national theater last night.

Example

The choreographer reimagined the classic ballet with modern costumes and a minimalist stage design that highlighted the dancers' athleticism.
- production
- show

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3 a dance company (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the group of professional dancers who work and perform together.

a company or troupe of people who perform ballet.

Example

He was invited to join the city's most famous ballet.

Example

The national ballet embarked on an international tour, showcasing their technical mastery to audiences across three continents.
- troupe
- company
4 to move gracefully (v.)
C2 Proficiency Literary

to move in a way that looks like a ballet dancer.

to move or perform an action in a manner reminiscent of ballet dancing.

Example

The birds seemed to ballet across the surface of the lake.

Example

The autumn leaves balleted through the air, caught in a sudden gust of wind before settling on the damp pavement.
- glide
- dance

Origin

Borrowed from French ballet, from Italian balletto (“short dance, ballet”), diminutive form of ballo (“group dance”), from Late Latin ballō (“to dance”).