waltz

1 of 2

noun

ˈwȯl(t)s 

1

: a ballroom dance in ³/₄ time with strong accent on the first beat and a basic pattern of step-step-close

2

: music for a waltz or a concert composition in ³/₄ time

waltz

2 of 2

verb

waltzed; waltzing; waltzes

intransitive verb

1

: to dance a waltz

2

: to move or advance in a lively or conspicuous manner : flounce

3

a

: to advance easily and successfully : breeze

—often used with through

b

: to approach boldly

—used with up

can't just waltz up and introduce ourselves

transitive verb

1

: to dance a waltz with

2

: to grab and lead (someone) unceremoniously : march

waltzer noun

Examples of waltz in a Sentence

Noun

They danced a waltz together.

Johann Strauss wrote many beautiful waltzes.

Verb

He waltzed with his daughter at her wedding.

He waltzed her around the dance floor.

He came waltzing into the room.

She waltzed right up to him and introduced herself.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Those were all terms used by the judges to describe Ilona's Viennese waltz in round two, which earned her her highest score yet, a 29 out of 30. —Calie Schepp, EW.com, 20 Nov. 2024

That’s the sound of classical music fans rejoicing as Vienna announces that 2025 will be dedicated to championing 200 years of the waltzes and polkas of its native son Johann Strauss. —Sarah James, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Nov. 2024

Verb

Starting with the Haunted Mansion, passengers, of drinking age, can watch waltzing ghosts and sip on spooky cocktails in the parlor dedicated to the iconic attraction or embrace their inner Jungle Cruise skipper at the Skipper Society lounge where guests will see all the nods to the iconic ride. —Alessandra Amodio, Travel + Leisure, 21 Nov. 2024

The Falcons defensive back fell, and Jefferson waltzed into the end zone untouched. —Alec Lewis, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from German Walzer, from walzen "to turn from one side to another, roll" (going back to Middle High German, "to roll over") + -er -er entry 2 — more at welter entry 1

Verb

derivative of waltz entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1794, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing waltz

• waltz off with

Kids Definition

waltz

1 of 2 noun

ˈwȯl(t)s 

: a ballroom dance in ¾ time with strong accent on the first beat

also : music for a waltz

waltz

2 of 2 verb

1

a

: to dance a waltz

b

: to dance a waltz with

2

a

: to proceed easily and successfully : breeze

waltzed through the test

b

: to approach boldly

can't just waltz up and introduce ourselves