I. ˈwȯlts also -ls noun
( -es )
Etymology: German walzer, from walzen to roll, revolve, dance, from Old High German walzan to turn, roll — more at welter
1. : a round dance in 3/4 time with a strong accent on the first beat of the measure that is characterized by one step to the beat typically executed with a constant gyrating motion at a moderately fast tempo — see boston III 1
2.
a. : the music for dancing a waltz
b. : an instrumental orchestral, or vocal composition in 3/4 time intended chiefly for concert performance
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: German walzen
intransitive verb
1. : to dance a waltz
tried to waltz for the first time in years
2.
a. : to move about in a lively whimsical often aimless manner
think they can just waltz in and out of the house all day
don't like strangers waltzing around up here — John Hersey
b. : to move along in an excited, noisy, or attention-seeking manner : flounce
saw the jolly bunch come waltzing in for eats — Sinclair Lewis
waltzed out to the ladies' room to talk and smoke — Catherine Hubbell
3.
a. : to advance easily and successfully : proceed without a hitch : breeze — usually used with through
you'll waltz through most European customs — T.H.Fielding
waltzed through the big games — Christian Science Monitor
b. : to approach boldly — used with up
can't just waltz up and introduce ourselves
transitive verb
1. : to lead (a partner) in a waltz : dance a waltz with
waltzed her around the room at a dizzying clip
2.
a. : to lead (as a person) in a hasty, determined, and unceremonious manner : march
grabbed the child's arm and waltzed him upstairs
waltzed him through many phases of religiosity — Clemence Dane
b. : carry , lug
had to waltz this package all over town
•
- waltz matilda
- waltz off with
III. adjective
Etymology: waltz (I)
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a waltz
waltz step
waltz tune