# tango

/ˈtæŋɡoʊ/ (US) · /tˈæŋɡəʊ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tango
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. the dance

noun · CEFR B1

a dramatic dance for two people that started in Argentina.

For teachers: a ballroom or social dance of Argentinian origin, typically in 2/4 or 4/4 time, characterised by marked rhythms and dramatic postures.

- They took a class to learn the tango before their trip to Buenos Aires.
- The couple performed a flawless Argentine tango, their sharp movements perfectly synchronised with the staccato rhythm of the bandoneon.

### 2. the music

noun · CEFR B1

a style of music written for the tango dance.

For teachers: a musical genre or specific composition intended to accompany the tango dance.

- The band played a beautiful tango that made everyone want to dance.
- The orchestra specialised in golden-age tangos, evoking the nostalgic atmosphere of mid-century dance halls through rich string arrangements.

### 3. the letter T

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the word used for the letter 'T' when speaking over the radio.

For teachers: the code word representing the letter 'T' in the NATO phonetic alphabet.

- The pilot identified the plane as 'Alpha Tango' over the radio.
- In aviation communication, clarity is paramount, which is why 'Tango' is used to prevent phonetic confusion with similar-sounding letters like 'D' or 'P'.

### 4. an enemy or target

noun · CEFR C2 · American English · Slang

a word used by police or soldiers to mean an enemy or a target.

For teachers: a slang term used primarily in military or law enforcement contexts to refer to an enemy, suspect, or target.

- The team spotted a tango moving toward the back of the building.
- The tactical unit confirmed that the primary tango had been neutralised before proceeding to secure the perimeter of the compound.

### 5. to dance

verb · CEFR B1

to perform the tango dance.

For teachers: to perform the movements associated with the tango; often used in the idiom 'it takes two to tango'.

- The couple decided to tango across the floor as the music started.
- While they could both waltz, they found it much more difficult to tango with the necessary precision and emotional intensity.

### 6. to interact or fight

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal · Slang

to get involved with someone, often in a difficult or competitive way.

For teachers: to engage or interact with another party, frequently implying a struggle, competition, or complex negotiation.

- He didn't want to tango with the legal department over such a small mistake.
- The CEO was hesitant to tango with the regulators, fearing that a public dispute would damage the company's reputation during the merger.

## Examples

- They are learning the tango for their wedding.
- The couple moved across the floor with the intense focus required for a traditional Argentine tango.
- The diplomatic negotiations were described as a delicate tango, with both nations advancing and retreating in a carefully choreographed display of political willpower.

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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.