flamenco

noun

fla·​men·​co flə-ˈmeŋ-(ˌ)kō 

plural flamencos

1

: a vigorous rhythmic dance style of the Andalusian Gypsies

also : a dance in flamenco style

2

: music or song suitable to accompany a flamenco dance

Did you know?

The Spanish word flamenco means “Flemish,” and its later usage in the sense “Gypsy-like,” especially in reference to a song, dance, and guitar-music style, has inspired a number of hypotheses about why the word flamenco came to be associated with Gypsies; however, all of these theories seem implausible. Perhaps more promisingly, in the later 19th century flamenco also meant “jaunty, cocky” and, in reference to women, “provocatively attractive,” The suggestion has been made that “Gypsylike” is a secondary development from these senses. The ordinary Spanish word for “Gypsy” is gitano, which like the English Gypsy, is altered from a word meaning “Egyptian.”

Examples of flamenco in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Here, you can be mesmerized by flamenco dancers, let your hair down to samba at a fiesta, admire jaw-dropping aerial acts or sway to ’70s jazz, all while enjoying a sumptuous dinner at the city’s finest restaurants alongside views of the Burj Khalifa. —Natasha Amar, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024

Frida and Flamenco Celebrate the passion and artistry of flamenco with Frida Kahlo and Flamenco, a concert blending Flamenco and Folklorico styles, presented by Del Sol Productions and the Electric Lodge. —Charlie Vargas, Orange County Register, 12 Sep. 2024

Bachelor fans will know that Dancing With the Stars won't be the first time Graziadei has shown off his fancy footwork — the tennis professional previously learned the flamenco during a one-on-one date in Spain on the dating show. —EW.com, 10 Sep. 2024

The Alhambra, Granada’s breathtaking fortress and palace, has a history built on the layering of various cultures—much like flamenco music. —Sofia Perez, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from flamenco of the Gypsies, literally, Flemish, from Middle Dutch Vlaminc Fleming

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1