danced; dancing
1
: to move one's body rhythmically usually to music : to engage in or perform a dance (see dance entry 2 sense 2)
dancing to our favorite song
Shall we dance?
2
: to move or seem to move up and down or about in a quick or lively manner
dance for joy
leaves dancing in the wind
1
: to perform or take part in as a dancer
dance the waltz
2
: to cause to dance
danced the baby on her knee
3
: to bring into a specified condition by dancing
danced his way into her heart
dancer
noun
often attributive
1
: an act or instance of moving one's body rhythmically usually to music : an act or instance of dancing (see dance entry 1 sense 1)
the couple's first dance as husband and wife
May I have this dance?
2
: a series of rhythmic and patterned bodily movements usually performed to music
slow dances
dance moves
3
: a social gathering for dancing
a high school dance
4
: a piece of music by which dancing may be guided
5
: the art of dancing
studied dance in college
Synonyms
Examples of dance in a Sentence
Verb
He never learned how to dance.
She has always loved to dance.
I like the song but it's really hard to dance to.
He danced her across the floor.
She dances with a famous ballet company.
She's a great actress, and she can dance and sing, too.
Noun
They can do all the popular dances.
The only dance he knows how to do is the twist.
How about one more dance?
He stopped right in the middle of the dance to tie his shoe.
He did a celebration dance in the end zone after scoring the touchdown.
She studied dance in college.
Recent Examples on the Web
Marc Berman, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
The commitment to the bit is remarkable: A man spent 10 months, 121 runs and roughly 700 miles to make his route map look like a dancing stick figure.
—Cate Martel, The Hill, 3 Dec. 2024
Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 6 Dec. 2024
The popular genre of online multiplayer gameplay is known for colorful graphics, customizable skins, and funky dance moves.
—Alex Perry, The Enquirer, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dance 
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Verb
Enter Betty Boop Soon after the studio began operating under its new name, the Betty Boop character was born, making her first appearance as a singing, dancing dog-like character in the 1930 Talkartoon animated short, Dizzy Dishes.
—Marc Berman, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
The commitment to the bit is remarkable: A man spent 10 months, 121 runs and roughly 700 miles to make his route map look like a dancing stick figure.
—Cate Martel, The Hill, 3 Dec. 2024
Noun
The bottom line: The Chicago-centric production is a must-see at the Lyric Opera for the world-class set, music and dance, but especially the talented kids.
—Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 6 Dec. 2024
The popular genre of online multiplayer gameplay is known for colorful graphics, customizable skins, and funky dance moves.
—Alex Perry, The Enquirer, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dance
Dictionary Entries Near dance
Cite this Entry
“Dance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dance. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dance
1 of 2 verb
danced; dancing
1
: to engage in or perform a dance
2
: to move quickly up and down or about
3
: to perform or take part in as a dancer
dancer
noun
dance
2 of 2 noun1
: an act or instance of dancing
2
: a series of rhythmic and patterned bodily movements usually performed to music
3
: a social gathering for dancing
4
: a piece of music by which dancing may be guided
5
: the art of dancing
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