waltz

1 of 2

noun

ˈwȯl(t)s 

1

: a ballroom dance in ³/₄ time with strong accent on the first beat and a basic pattern of step-step-close

2

: music for a waltz or a concert composition in ³/₄ time

waltz

2 of 2

verb

waltzed; waltzing; waltzes

intransitive verb

1

: to dance a waltz

2

: to move or advance in a lively or conspicuous manner : flounce

3

a

: to advance easily and successfully : breeze

—often used with through

b

: to approach boldly

—used with up

can't just waltz up and introduce ourselves

transitive verb

1

: to dance a waltz with

2

: to grab and lead (someone) unceremoniously : march

waltzer noun

Examples of waltz in a Sentence

Noun

They danced a waltz together.

Johann Strauss wrote many beautiful waltzes.

Verb

He waltzed with his daughter at her wedding.

He waltzed her around the dance floor.

He came waltzing into the room.

She waltzed right up to him and introduced herself.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The event kicked off with an opening dance, before the debutantes lined up for a waltz with their fathers, who were then passed onto their cavaliers for dancing with a live band. —Kristen Bateman, Vogue, 1 Dec. 2024

The unsigned waltz was never formally recognized by Chopin—remaining unpublished and out of public view. —Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 29 Oct. 2024

Verb

Before heading into Los Angeles' Beverly Hilton to learn which of the biggest names in television and movies would be waltzing away with the best accessory of the evening (their very own statuette, of course), the stars made their marks on the carpet. —Erin Jensen, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025

Jennifer Coolidge waltzed by in bare feet, frequently stopping so fans could take selfies with her. —Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from German Walzer, from walzen "to turn from one side to another, roll" (going back to Middle High German, "to roll over") + -er -er entry 2 — more at welter entry 1

Verb

derivative of waltz entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1794, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing waltz

• waltz off with

Kids Definition

waltz

1 of 2 noun

ˈwȯl(t)s 

: a ballroom dance in ¾ time with strong accent on the first beat

also : music for a waltz

waltz

2 of 2 verb

1

a

: to dance a waltz

b

: to dance a waltz with

2

a

: to proceed easily and successfully : breeze

waltzed through the test

b

: to approach boldly

can't just waltz up and introduce ourselves