danced; dancing
1
: to move one's body rhythmically usually to music : to engage in or perform a dance (see dance entry 2 sense 2)
dancing to our favorite song
Shall we dance?
2
: to move or seem to move up and down or about in a quick or lively manner
dance for joy
leaves dancing in the wind
1
: to perform or take part in as a dancer
dance the waltz
2
: to cause to dance
danced the baby on her knee
3
: to bring into a specified condition by dancing
danced his way into her heart
dancer
noun
often attributive
1
: an act or instance of moving one's body rhythmically usually to music : an act or instance of dancing (see dance entry 1 sense 1)
the couple's first dance as husband and wife
May I have this dance?
2
: a series of rhythmic and patterned bodily movements usually performed to music
slow dances
dance moves
3
: a social gathering for dancing
a high school dance
4
: a piece of music by which dancing may be guided
5
: the art of dancing
studied dance in college
Synonyms
Examples of dance in a Sentence
Verb
He never learned how to dance.
She has always loved to dance.
I like the song but it's really hard to dance to.
He danced her across the floor.
She dances with a famous ballet company.
She's a great actress, and she can dance and sing, too.
Noun
They can do all the popular dances.
The only dance he knows how to do is the twist.
How about one more dance?
He stopped right in the middle of the dance to tie his shoe.
He did a celebration dance in the end zone after scoring the touchdown.
She studied dance in college.
Recent Examples on the Web
Caroline Reid, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
To boost your next-day memory, experts say to try brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing to upbeat music.
—Lauryn Higgins, Health, 17 Dec. 2024
Sughnen Yongo, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Advertisement The attack at a small dance and yoga studio on the first day of summer vacation sparked rioting across England and Northern Ireland fueled by far-right activists that lasted a week.
—Brian Melley, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dance 
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.
Verb
The first public drone display took place in 2012 when art and technology group, Ars Electronica, programmed 49 tiny craft to to dance and form shapes during the Futurelab festival in the Austrian city of Linz.
—Caroline Reid, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
To boost your next-day memory, experts say to try brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing to upbeat music.
—Lauryn Higgins, Health, 17 Dec. 2024
Noun
In the late 20th century, Jackson was at the peak of his career and had gained the undisputed title of King of Pop, representing his dominance in music, dance and holistic credibility as a well-rounded performer.
—Sughnen Yongo, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Advertisement The attack at a small dance and yoga studio on the first day of summer vacation sparked rioting across England and Northern Ireland fueled by far-right activists that lasted a week.
—Brian Melley, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dance
Dictionary Entries Near dance
Cite this Entry
“Dance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dance. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dance
1 of 2 verb
danced; dancing
1
: to engage in or perform a dance
2
: to move quickly up and down or about
3
: to perform or take part in as a dancer
dancer
noun
dance
2 of 2 noun1
: an act or instance of dancing
2
: a series of rhythmic and patterned bodily movements usually performed to music
3
: a social gathering for dancing
4
: a piece of music by which dancing may be guided
5
: the art of dancing
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share