pas de deux

noun

plural pas de deux ˌpä-də-ˈdər(z) How to pronounce pas de deux (audio)
-ˈdə(z),
-ˈdü(z)
1
: a dance or figure for two performers
2
: an intricate relationship or activity involving two parties or things

Examples of pas de deux in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Regardless of whether there is – or ever really has been – a debate, the pas de deux between Michigander and Michiganian has an unusual history and peculiar twists and turns. Robin Queen, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2024 Those in attendance were spellbound by Children's Songs Dance, a pas de deux performed by Isabella Boylston and James Whiteside, and an emotive excerpt from Sinatra Suite, performed against a set of glittering bronze lights by Cassandra Trenary and Herman Cornejo. Freya Drohan, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2024 The next move in this deadly pas de deux will likely be a strong response by the Israelis to last week’s Iranian missile assault. James Stavridis, The Mercury News, 8 Oct. 2024 According to press notes, filming took four days, including two days without an audience, allowing the cameras to join the dancers onstage at the Paris Opera in an additional pas de deux. Mark Peikert, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pas de deux 

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, step for two

First Known Use

circa 1762, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pas de deux was circa 1762

Dictionary Entries Near pas de deux

Cite this Entry

“Pas de deux.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pas%20de%20deux. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on pas de deux

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!