dalliance

noun

dal·​li·​ance ˈda-lē-ən(t)s 

: an act of dallying: such as

a

: play

especially : amorous play

had dalliances with several women before getting married

b

: frivolous action : trifling

had a brief dalliance with acting

Synonyms

• frolic
• frolicking
• fun
• fun and games
• play
• recreation
• relaxation
• rollicking
• sport

Examples of dalliance in a Sentence

an extremely serious scientist who is not much given to dalliance or idle chitchat

Recent Examples on the Web

Bronfman, of course, has long had a dalliance with Hollywood, initially as a producer and later as an executive. —Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 June 2024

Prosecutors are attempting to prove that Trump wanted Daniels’ story killed not for concern of his family — but over how news of the Tahoe dalliance would affect his political prospects. —Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 10 May 2024

The stay-at-home mom went with Trump in 2016 and was appointed to two local school district oversight committees in 2017, then booted from them for her aforementioned far-right dalliances. —Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2024

Then the dalliance comes to light and the golden boy finds himself on trial for the homicide. —Judy Berman, TIME, 12 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

dalliance

noun

dal·​li·​ance ˈdal-ē-ən(t)s 

1

: play entry 1 sense 2

especially : the act of flirting

2

: action lacking in importance or seriousness

a short dalliance with politics