Charleston

noun

Charles·​ton ˈchärl-stən How to pronounce Charleston (audio)
: a lively ballroom dance in which the knees are twisted in and out and the heels are swung sharply outward on each step

Word History

Etymology

Charleston, S. C.

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Charleston was in 1923

Dictionary Entries Near Charleston

Cite this Entry

“Charleston.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Charleston. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Geographical Definition

Charleston

geographical name

Charles·​ton ˈchär(-ə)l-stən How to pronounce Charleston (audio)
1
city and port on the Atlantic in southeastern South Carolina population 120,083
2
city and capital of West Virginia located on the Kanawha River population 51,400
Charlestonian noun

More from Merriam-Webster on Charleston

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!