rumba

noun

rum·​ba ˈrəm-bə How to pronounce rumba (audio)
ˈru̇m-,
ˈrüm-
variants or less commonly rhumba
: a ballroom dance of Cuban origin in ²/₄ or ⁴/₄ time with a basic pattern of step-close-step and marked by a delayed transfer of weight and pronounced hip movements
also : the music for this dance

Examples of rumba in a Sentence

The band played a rumba.
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.
Having this representation of Congolese rumba on screen is really important. Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 27 Nov. 2024 Congolese rumba is largely considered one of the most influential genres of African music and dance. Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 27 Nov. 2024 The pair performed a good, but not great, romantic rumba to The Little Mermaid classic, and sadly Sasha's friendly crab costume did not make an appearance. Calie Schepp, EW.com, 23 Oct. 2024 Dedicating her performance to her mom, the reality star took Judge Bruno Tonioli’s advice by trying not to look so rigid during her rumba. Lynette Rice, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rumba 

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rumba was in 1912

Dictionary Entries Near rumba

Cite this Entry

“Rumba.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rumba. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

rumba

noun
rum·​ba ˈrəm-bə How to pronounce rumba (audio)
ˈru̇m-
: a dance of Cuban origin

More from Merriam-Webster on rumba

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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