waltz

1 of 2

noun

ˈwȯl(t)s 

1

: a ballroom dance in ³/₄ time with strong accent on the first beat and a basic pattern of step-step-close

2

: music for a waltz or a concert composition in ³/₄ time

waltz

2 of 2

verb

waltzed; waltzing; waltzes

intransitive verb

1

: to dance a waltz

2

: to move or advance in a lively or conspicuous manner : flounce

3

a

: to advance easily and successfully : breeze

—often used with through

b

: to approach boldly

—used with up

can't just waltz up and introduce ourselves

transitive verb

1

: to dance a waltz with

2

: to grab and lead (someone) unceremoniously : march

waltzer noun

Examples of waltz in a Sentence

Noun

They danced a waltz together.

Johann Strauss wrote many beautiful waltzes.

Verb

He waltzed with his daughter at her wedding.

He waltzed her around the dance floor.

He came waltzing into the room.

She waltzed right up to him and introduced herself.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Every piece by Mozart or Beethoven, every Viennese waltz, remains a venerated relic. —Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2025

Scenes between Brando and Schneider include an on-set waltz, but without the heat of Gato Barbieri’s memorable jazz score, nothing comes close to Last Tango’s rapport and honesty. —Armond White, National Review, 28 Mar. 2025

Verb

Toney planted his foot in the ground, juked out Michigan State transfer cornerback Charles Brantley, and waltzed into the end zone. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 12 Apr. 2025

What started as a normal interaction with a neighbor walking the dog turned into wet chaos when the canine waltzed into a person's backyard to steal a dip in the pool. —Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from German Walzer, from walzen "to turn from one side to another, roll" (going back to Middle High German, "to roll over") + -er -er entry 2 — more at welter entry 1

Verb

derivative of waltz entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1794, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing waltz

• waltz off with

Rhymes for waltz

• faults
• halts
• malts
• salts
• vaults
• asphalts
• assaults
• basalts
• defaults
• exalts
• somersaults
• thunderbolts

Kids Definition

waltz

1 of 2 noun

ˈwȯl(t)s 

: a ballroom dance in ¾ time with strong accent on the first beat

also : music for a waltz

waltz

2 of 2 verb

1

a

: to dance a waltz

b

: to dance a waltz with

2

a

: to proceed easily and successfully : breeze

waltzed through the test

b

: to approach boldly

can't just waltz up and introduce ourselves