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

Behind him, Pierre-Luc Dubois has returned to form with 20 points in his past 23 games, distancing himself somewhat from a disastrous dalliance with the Kings last season. —Andrew Knoll, Orange County Register, 13 Jan. 2025

Malik Rutherford, who combined with Singleton to account for 40 percent of the team’s receiving yards and touchdowns, decided to return to Tech and will suit up for the bowl game after a brief dalliance with the transfer portal. —J.j. Bailey, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024

This could resurrect old flames from the dead, as well as lead to unexpected dalliances with the biggest rake in town. —Roya Backlund, StyleCaster, 23 Dec. 2024

When Cutler replies that Andy did in fact know, Martha dismisses her own affairs as minor dalliances. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024

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