samba

noun

sam·​ba ˈsam-bə How to pronounce samba (audio) ˈsäm- How to pronounce samba (audio)
: a Brazilian dance of African origin with a basic pattern of step-close-step-close and characterized by a dip and spring upward at each beat of the music
also : the music for this dance
samba intransitive verb

Examples of samba in a Sentence

The band played a samba.
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.
During each rehearsal session, 13 dancers spent approximately half their time working at an intensity above 83 percent of their maximum capacity, aligning samba with the rigorous demands of high-intensity workouts and contributing to these health and fitness benefits. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024 With its grandiloquent brass accents and warm samba beat, the title track is especially poignant. Ernesto Lechner, SPIN, 10 Sep. 2024 In his version, the pianist blends in with his ensemble into a rousing sing-along samba that resonates deeply with the homesickness of those who were forced to leave. Felipe Maia, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2024 So Hiddleston, who plays the inhibited accountant whose life is shrouded in mystery, endured a six-week crash course to learn everything from jazz, swing, polka, samba and cha-cha to quickstep and moonwalk. Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for samba 

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of samba was in 1885

Dictionary Entries Near samba

Cite this Entry

“Samba.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/samba. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on samba

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!