/ dɑːns; NAmE dæns/ noun , verb
■ noun
1.
[ C ] a series of movements and steps that are usually performed to music; a particular example of these movements and steps :
a dance class / routine
Find a partner and practise these new dance steps .
Do you know any other Latin American dances?
The next dance will be a waltz.
—see also rain dance
2.
[ U ] the art of dancing, especially for entertainment :
an evening of drama, music and dance
modern / classical dance
a dance company / troupe
3.
[ C ] an act of dancing :
Let's have a dance.
He did a little dance of triumph.
4.
[ C ] a social event at which people dance :
We hold a dance every year to raise money for charity.
5.
[ C ] a piece of music for dancing to :
The band finished with a few slow dances.
•
IDIOMS
see lead (I) verb , song
■ verb
1.
[ v ] to move your body to the sound and rhythm of music :
Do you want to dance?
He asked me to dance.
They stayed up all night singing and dancing.
They danced to the music of a string quartet.
Ruth danced all evening with Richard.
Ruth and Richard danced together all evening.
2.
[ vn ] to do a particular type of dance :
to dance the tango
to dance a waltz
3.
[ v ] to move in a lively way :
The children danced around her.
The sun shone on the sea and the waves danced and sparkled.
The words danced before her tired eyes.
•
IDIOMS
- dance attendance on sb
- dance the night away
- dance to sb's tune
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French dancer (verb), dance (noun), of unknown origin.