dalliance

noun

dal·​li·​ance ˈda-lē-ən(t)s How to pronounce dalliance (audio)
: 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Two upper-class wives, their husbands away for the day, share a few toasts to their pre-marital dalliances—with the same man, who just may be en route from France to visit. Greg Evans, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025 But this week — after a brief dalliance with a champagne shade two years ago — the Oscars opted for tradition and returned to a carpet in Mr. Olive’s exclusive Academy Red. Sarah Bahr, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025 The idea being sold to American voters right now that somehow Vladimir Putin is out to get Hillary Clinton is a manufactured political lie so Clinton can talk about how dangerous Trump’s dalliances with Putin are. Capital Flows, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 The story line is primarily a way to explore Annie’s insecurities, with Hughie made to feel guilty and regretful about his dalliance with the doppelgänger instead of ever getting to process his own reaction to the revelation. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dalliance

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dalliance was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dalliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dalliance. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

dalliance

noun
dal·​li·​ance ˈdal-ē-ən(t)s How to pronounce dalliance (audio)
1
: play entry 1 sense 2
especially : the act of flirting
2
: action lacking in importance or seriousness
a short dalliance with politics

More from Merriam-Webster on dalliance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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