# Morris

/ˈmɔɹəs/ (US) · /mˈɒɹɪs/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. folk dance

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a traditional English folk dance performed by groups of people wearing bells on their legs and carrying sticks or scarves.

For teachers: a form of English folk dance based on rhythmic stepping and the execution of choreographed figures by a group of dancers.

- We watched the dancers perform a traditional morris in the village square.
- The local troupe performed a spirited morris during the May Day celebrations, their bells jingling in perfect synchrony with the accordion player.

Usage: Often used as a modifier in 'morris dancing' or 'morris dancer'.

### 2. to dance

verb · CEFR C1 · British English · Informal

to perform a traditional English morris dance.

For teachers: to engage in the performance of morris dancing.

- He spent his weekends morrising at various festivals across the country.
- Having morrised for over twenty years, the veteran dancer was well-versed in the specific regional variations of the Cotswold style.

Teaching tip: The verb form is much less common than the noun and is typically used within the folk dance community.

### 3. car brand

noun · CEFR C1 · British English

a famous brand of British cars that were popular in the 20th century.

For teachers: a former British motor car manufacturer, active for much of the 20th century and known for iconic models like the Minor.

- My grandfather still drives his vintage Morris to car shows every summer.
- The collector specialized in pre-war British vehicles, proudly displaying a perfectly restored Morris Oxford in his private gallery.

## Examples

- The village festival featured a lively Morris dance.
- Every May Day, the local Morris side performs at dawn to welcome the spring season.
- While often viewed as a quaint rural curiosity, Morris dancing represents a complex survival of English folk traditions that underwent a significant revival during the early twentieth century.

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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.