English Reference
noun

choreography

n.
US /ˌkɔɹiˈɑɡɹəfi/ UK /kˌɔːɹɪˈɒɡɹəfi/ chore·og·ra·phy UK spelling choreographies

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Theatre

    the skill or job of planning and arranging the movements for a dance, like a ballet or a music video.

    the art or practice of designing sequences of movements in which motion, form, or both are specified.

    Simple

    She decided to study choreography because she loved creating new dances for her friends.

    In context

    Modern choreography often blends classical ballet techniques with contemporary street dance to create a unique visual language.

    Usage

    Uncountable when referring to the art form or profession.

    dance compositionstaging
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Theatre

    the actual steps and movements that dancers perform in a specific show or song.

    the specific sequence of steps and movements that constitute a particular dance work or performance.

    Simple

    The choreography for the new pop song is very difficult to learn.

    In context

    The dancers spent six weeks perfecting the intricate choreography before the opening night of the musical.

    Usage

    Can be countable when referring to a specific piece of work.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Informal Sport

    an organised show by sports fans in a stadium using flags, banners, or lights.

    a coordinated visual display performed by spectators, typically involving large-scale props or pyrotechnics.

    Simple

    The fans prepared a massive choreography with blue and white flags for the final match.

    In context

    The ultras spent thousands of euros on the choreography, which covered the entire north stand during the local derby.

By analyzing the 4D map, the researchers were able to identify distinct phases in this organ's formation—a complex choreography of thousands of cells.

Phys.org· 21 Aug 2026

From the first anniversary, commemorating the attacks has carried a careful choreography.

The Conversation· 3 Sept 2026

Borrowed from French chorégraphie, from Ancient Greek χορεία (khoreía, “dance”) + -γραφίᾱ (-graphíā, “written form (of a word, etc.), spelling”); By surface analysis, choreo- + -graphy.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin French chorégraphie
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated