# dada

/ˈdɑˌdɑ/ (US) · /dˈɑːdɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dada
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

an art movement from the early 20th century that was meant to be confusing and silly. It was a protest against traditional art and the rules of society.

For teachers: an early 20th-century avant-garde movement that rejected logic, reason, and aestheticism in favour of nonsense, irrationality, and anti-bourgeois protest. When capitalised, it refers specifically to the historical movement; in lowercase, it may describe a style or attitude resembling this movement.

## Examples

- The artist used Dada techniques to create a strange collage.
- Dada emerged in Zurich during World War I as a radical response to the perceived insanity of the conflict.
- By incorporating found objects and chance operations into their work, the proponents of Dada sought to dismantle the traditional boundaries between high art and the mundane realities of modern life.

## Usage notes

- Usually capitalised as 'Dada' when referring to the specific historical art movement.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.