# samba

/ˈsɑmbə/ (US) · /sˈæmbɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/samba
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. music genre

noun · CEFR B1

a style of music from Brazil with a fast, energetic beat.

For teachers: a Brazilian musical genre with roots in West African traditions, characterized by a syncopated 2/4 rhythm.

- The street was filled with the sound of loud samba during the festival.
- The evolution of samba as a national musical identity in Brazil was heavily influenced by the urban culture of Rio de Janeiro in the early twentieth century.

### 2. dance style

noun · CEFR B1

a fast Brazilian dance that people often perform at Carnival.

For teachers: a rhythmic Brazilian ballroom dance, typically performed in 2/4 time, known for its rapid steps and swaying hip movements.

- She took a class to learn how to dance the samba before her trip to Rio.
- Professional dancers demonstrated the intricate footwork of the samba, captivating the audience with their speed and coordination.

## Examples

- The band plays a fast samba that makes everyone want to dance.
- During the festival, the streets were filled with the sound of drums and people dancing the samba in colorful costumes.
- 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.

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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.