prima ballerina

noun

pri·​ma ballerina ˈprē-mə- How to pronounce prima ballerina (audio)
: the principal female dancer in a ballet company

Examples of prima ballerina in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Garr fancied herself a prima ballerina, obsessively pursuing that goal after her father died. Valerie J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024 Ferri, 61, is an Olivier Award-winning performer and prima ballerina assoluta (an honor given to the most notable female dancers) who has been affiliated with such prestigious companies as the Royal Ballet, La Scala and the Hamburg Ballet. Carly Tagen-Dye, Peoplemag, 26 June 2024 Now, nine years later, the Italian dancer—one of the very few awarded the title of prima ballerina assoluta—has agreed to dance the role McGregor created for her once more. Freya Drohan, Vogue, 24 June 2024 The ballet is also unusual because the prima ballerina, Alessandra Ferri, is in her 60s. Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 18 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for prima ballerina 

Word History

Etymology

Italian, leading ballerina

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prima ballerina was in 1864

Dictionary Entries Near prima ballerina

Cite this Entry

“Prima ballerina.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prima%20ballerina. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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