English Reference

Word

dance

US/ˈdæns/

UK/dˈɑːns/

Definitions

01to move to music

A1 · Beginner

v. to move your body in time with music.

v. to move the body and feet rhythmically, typically in time to music. Intransitive or transitive depending on whether a specific style is named.

“The children started to dance as soon as the music began.”

“The couple danced a traditional waltz, moving across the ballroom floor with a grace that suggested years of formal training.”

Synonyms

02to move lightly

B2 · Upper Intermediate Literary

v. to move quickly and lightly, like light reflecting on water.

v. to move nimbly, irregularly, or rapidly; often used of inanimate objects or light.

“Sunlight danced on the surface of the lake.”

“Shadows danced across the nursery walls as the wind rattled the old oak tree outside the window.”

Synonyms

03rhythmic movements

A1 · Beginner Countable noun

n. a series of steps and movements that match the speed of music.

n. a series of rhythmic steps or movements usually performed to music.

“They learned a new dance for their friend's wedding.”

“The choreographer spent months refining the modern dance, ensuring every movement conveyed the intended emotional weight.”

04social event

A2 · Elementary Countable noun

n. a party or social meeting where people go to dance.

n. a social gathering or formal ball specifically for the purpose of dancing.

“Are you going to the school dance on Friday night?”

“The charity dance raised thousands of pounds, attracting donors from across the county for an evening of jazz and celebration.”

Synonyms

05the art form

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the activity or profession of dancing.

n. the art, profession, or study of rhythmic movement as a form of expression.

“She decided to study dance at university.”

“Critics praised the production for its innovative fusion of classical dance and contemporary street styles.”

Synonyms

balletperformance art

06complex interaction

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Literary

n. a situation where two people or groups move or act around each other in a tricky way.

n. a metaphorical 'battle of wits' or a complex, repetitive social interaction between two parties.

“The two politicians began a careful dance of words during the debate.”

“The diplomatic dance continued for weeks, with neither nation willing to make the first concession regarding the border dispute.”

Real-World Examples

“For many people, dance feels more like play than exercise, which helps to explain its enduring appeal as a workout.”
The New York Times 24 Feb 2026
“A meta-analysis of 218 trials involving over 14,000 people revealed that dance was more effective at easing depression symptoms than other common forms of exercise.”
National Geographic 26 Sept 2025

Etymology

From Middle English dauncen, from Anglo-Norman dauncer, from Vulgar Latin *dantiāre, of uncertain origin. Displaced Old English sealtian, and partially displaced Old English hlēapan (“to leap, dance, run”) (whence modern leap). Doublet of danza.

Related to dancy, dancetté, French danché.

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

Word family

VERB

dance(A1)

Related words

Idioms

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Very common
Level
A1 · BeginnerOxford
Updated

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English Reference