English Reference

Word

waltz

US/ˈwɔɫs/

UK/wˈɒlts/

Definitions

01the dance

B2

n. a formal ballroom dance where the dancers move in circles to music with three beats.

n. a ballroom dance performed in triple time, characterised by a strong accent on the first beat and a sliding step.

“The couple performed a beautiful waltz at the end of the wedding.”

“The traditional waltz remains a staple of formal European balls, requiring precise footwork and a steady three-quarter rhythm.”

Synonyms

ballroom dance

02the music

B2 · Music

n. a piece of music written for a waltz dance, usually with a 'one-two-three' rhythm.

n. a musical composition in triple time, typically intended for dancing or written in that style.

“The orchestra played a famous waltz by Strauss.”

“The composer's later works include several melancholic waltzes that subvert the typically cheerful nature of the dance form.”

03to move confidently

C1

v. to walk somewhere quickly and confidently, often without being invited or caring what others think.

v. to move in a brisk, confident, or inappropriately casual manner, often into a space where one is not expected.

“He just waltzed into the office and sat down at the boss's desk.”

“The consultant waltzed into the boardroom as if he owned the company, despite having been hired only forty-eight hours prior.”

Informal

Usage

Often used with 'in', 'into', or 'out of'.

Antonyms

creeptiptoe

04to succeed easily

C1

v. to finish a task or win a competition very easily.

v. to achieve a goal or complete a task with minimal effort or opposition.

“She waltzed through the exam because she had studied so hard.”

“The incumbent candidate waltzed to victory in the local elections, securing a majority that surprised even his own campaign staff.”

Informal

Usage

Commonly used with 'through' or 'to'.

Synonyms

breeze throughsail through

Antonyms

Real-World Examples

“The Michigan : A half-turning waltz to the left (1, 2, and), then a slow step back right (3), and hold (4).”
Library of Dance · 27 Oct 2023
“Apply for a study visa and you'll be allowed to waltz right into Spain?”
The Local · 13 Oct 2023

Etymology

From German Walzer, from walzen (“to dance”), from Old High German walzan (“to turn”), from Proto-Germanic walt- (“to turn”), from Proto-Indo-European welH- (“to turn”). Doublet of valse. More at *waltaną.

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

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/waltz

English Reference