ballerina

noun

bal·​le·​ri·​na ˌba-lə-ˈrē-nə 

: a woman who is a ballet dancer : danseuse

Examples of ballerina in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Bravely Steps Out in Millennial Socks Tucked in the courtyard of the famous Centre de Danse du Marais, under the open windows of studios where ballerinas and dancers rehearse, GrandCoeur is a charming Parisian brasserie with alfresco dining atop centuries-old cobblestones. —Jade Simon, Vogue, 21 June 2024

Crafted from form-fitting, yet breathable jersey, the silhouette was inspired by wrap sweaters that ballerinas wear over leotards. —Hannah Malach, WWD, 18 June 2024

My bet is on Prada’s newest leopard ballerina mule. —Gab Waller, Vogue, 12 June 2024

Moira Shearer gives an unforgettable performance as a ballerina who falls under the spell of a ballet owner named Lermontov (Anton Walbrook). —Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 11 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Italian, "woman who dances professionally or for pleasure," feminine counterpart of ballarino, ballerino "professional dancer, person who loves to dance," from ballare "to dance" (going back to Late Latin ballāre) + -ar-, -er-, extension in nominal derivation + -ino, suffix of occupations (as in postino "mailman," scalpellino "stonemason"), going back to Latin -īnus -ine entry 1 — more at ball entry 3

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ballerina

• prima ballerina

Kids Definition

ballerina

noun

bal·​le·​ri·​na ˌbal-ə-ˈrē-nə 

: a female ballet dancer