English▸ verb [no object]
1 move rhythmically to music, typically following a set sequence of steps:
their cheeks were pressed together as they danced
all the men wanted her to dance with them.
▪ [with object] perform (a particular dance or a role in a ballet):
they danced a tango
he danced a variety of roles with that company.
▪ [with object and adverbial of direction] lead (a dancing partner) in a particular direction:
I danced her out of the room.
2 [with adverbial of direction] (of a person) move in a quick and lively way:
Sheila danced in gaily.
▪ move up and down lightly and quickly in the air:
midges danced over the stream
she could see flames dancing in the fireplace.
▪ (of someone's eyes) sparkle with pleasure or excitement:
he grinned, his grey eyes dancing.
▸ noun a series of steps and movements that match the speed and rhythm of a piece of music:
everyone was taking part in the dance.
▪ an act of dancing:
they rolled back the carpet and had a dance.
▪ a particular sequence of steps and movements constituting a particular form of dancing:
dances include the waltz, the quickstep, and the foxtrot.
▪ [mass noun] dance steps and movements considered as an activity or art form:
the rules of classical dance.
▪ a social gathering at which people dance:
she met her husband at a dance.
▪ a set of lively movements resembling a dance:
he gesticulated comically and did a little dance.
▪ a piece of music for dancing to:
the last dance had been played.
– ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French dancer (verb), dance (noun), of unknown origin.