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

Full crystal models offered by the historic brand also sparkled, like slingbacks, mary janes with Parisienne côté and boots, as well as flat ballerinas, kitten heels and stilettos. —Stephen Garner, WWD, 3 Mar. 2025

That ambiguity is at the heart of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s story, which centers on a ballerina who struggles to reconcile her need to pursue her artistic gifts with her desire for happiness. —Keith Phipps, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025

The author and former ballerina also added a pop of color — and complemented her rocker beau’s dinner look — with a glossy, fuchsia lip. —Bailey Richards, People.com, 2 Mar. 2025

Just grab your ballerina flats, an oversized blazer, and you’re set. —Tatiana Ojea, Glamour, 25 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for ballerina

• acarina
• casuarina
• celestina
• concertina
• filipina
• foramina
• leucaena
• littorina
• scarlatina
• semolina
• serotina
• signorina

Kids Definition

ballerina

noun

bal·​le·​ri·​na ˌbal-ə-ˈrē-nə 

: a female ballet dancer