dalliance

noun

dal·​li·​ance ˈda-lē-ən(t)s 

: an act of dallying: such as

a

: play

especially : amorous play

had dalliances with several women before getting married

b

: frivolous action : trifling

had a brief dalliance with acting

Synonyms

• frolic
• frolicking
• fun
• fun and games
• play
• recreation
• relaxation
• rollicking
• sport

Examples of dalliance in a Sentence

an extremely serious scientist who is not much given to dalliance or idle chitchat

Recent Examples on the Web

Apparently creepy old Jame Eagan has many dalliances that are cleaned up using severance technology (among other means, no doubt). —Erik Kain, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025

On a show where couples are breaking up over sexuality, finances, and the pressures of an accelerated timeline, these two ended their little dalliance over Taylor not showing her freckles enough. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2025

Two upper-class wives, their husbands away for the day, share a few toasts to their pre-marital dalliances—with the same man, who just may be en route from France to visit. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025

But this week — after a brief dalliance with a champagne shade two years ago — the Oscars opted for tradition and returned to a carpet in Mr. Olive’s exclusive Academy Red. —Sarah Bahr, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

dalliance

noun

dal·​li·​ance ˈdal-ē-ən(t)s 

1

: play entry 1 sense 2

especially : the act of flirting

2

: action lacking in importance or seriousness

a short dalliance with politics