flamenco

noun

fla·​men·​co flə-ˈmeŋ-(ˌ)kō 

plural flamencos

1

: a vigorous rhythmic dance style of the Andalusian Gypsies

also : a dance in flamenco style

2

: music or song suitable to accompany a flamenco dance

Did you know?

The Spanish word flamenco means “Flemish,” and its later usage in the sense “Gypsy-like,” especially in reference to a song, dance, and guitar-music style, has inspired a number of hypotheses about why the word flamenco came to be associated with Gypsies; however, all of these theories seem implausible. Perhaps more promisingly, in the later 19th century flamenco also meant “jaunty, cocky” and, in reference to women, “provocatively attractive,” The suggestion has been made that “Gypsylike” is a secondary development from these senses. The ordinary Spanish word for “Gypsy” is gitano, which like the English Gypsy, is altered from a word meaning “Egyptian.”

Examples of flamenco in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Each room has a different artistic interpretation of a dancer – the hotel is named after a barefoot style of flamenco. —William Leigh, theweek, 16 Dec. 2024

The whimsical ambiance continues inside with chandeliers, trailing pothos plants, and a mural of flamenco dancers. —Lauren Mowery, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024

Experience Flamenco New Mexico’s deep connection to Spain comes alive through flamenco. —Lanee Lee, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024

Other sections feature a traditional flamenco ensemble. —The New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from flamenco of the Gypsies, literally, Flemish, from Middle Dutch Vlaminc Fleming

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1