ENGLISH
REFERENCE

samba

n. C / U
B1 Intermediate US //ˈsɑmbə// UK //sˈæmbɐ// sam·ba

n. a fast and lively style of music and dance that comes from Brazil. You often see people doing this dance during big celebrations like Carnival.

n. a Brazilian musical genre and dance style of African origin, characterized by a lively, syncopated rhythm in 2/4 time. Often associated with the cultural identity of Brazil and the annual Carnival festivities.


SIMPLE

The band plays a fast samba that makes everyone want to dance.

CONTEXTUAL

During the festival, the streets were filled with the sound of drums and people dancing the samba in colorful costumes.

COMPLEX

While often celebrated for its high-energy percussion and festive atmosphere, the samba also serves as a profound medium for social commentary and historical storytelling within Brazilian urban communities.

Synonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Brazilian Portuguese samba, from a Bantu language. Doublet of semba.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the genre of music or the general dance style; countable when referring to a specific musical composition or a particular dance routine.

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