war dance

noun

: a dance performed (as by American Indians) in preparation for battle or in celebration of victory

Examples of war dance 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.
Suddenly, the screen turns white and Prabowo strolls on stage, prompting all to stand and launch into a traditional Javanese war dance, punching the air, thumping chests, and chanting in hypnotic unison. Charlie Campbell / Jakarta, TIME, 14 Oct. 2024 The effect is reminiscent of the siva tau, a traditional Samoan war dance that is now often performed by rugby players before a match. Coralie Kraft, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2024 Historically a ceremonial Māori war dance, the Haka was intended as a challenge to opponents and a rallying cry before heading into battle, though today it is also used to celebrate Māori identity and culture and as a way of unifying people at times of grief. Chris Lau, CNN, 30 Sep. 2024 The bride and groom also got in on the action, with Blackmon and his groomsmen performing the Siva Tau, a Samoan war dance, and Gilmore performing the Taualuga in a traditional Samoan dress. Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 17 July 2024 Football players from Euless Trinity High School performed a war dance Monday evening in front of Texas Star Golf Course in Euless. Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2024 Hakas are often mistakenly called traditional war dances. Greg McKenna, BostonGlobe.com, 1 Aug. 2023 Additionally, 40 students with Tongan heritage from Euless Trinity High School will attend the summit, some of whom will perform Sipi Tau, a Tongan war dance, as part of the event. Dallas News, 21 Apr. 2022 The men’s fancy war dance Shirley performs, meanwhile, is from the Ponca and Comanche tribes. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 10 Nov. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1711, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of war dance was in 1711

Dictionary Entries Near war dance

Cite this Entry

“War dance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/war%20dance. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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