n.
Pronunciation: ' ba- ˌ l ā , ba- '
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from Italian balletto, diminutive of ballo dance, from ballare
Date: 1634
1 a : a theatrical art form using dancing, music, and scenery to convey a story, theme, or atmosphere b : dancing in which conventional poses and steps are combined with light flowing figures (as leaps and turns)
2 : music for a ballet
3 : a group that performs ballets
– bal · let · ic \ ba- ' le-tik \ adjective