dance: Meaning and Definition of

dance

Pronunciation: (dans, däns), [key]
— v., n. danced, danc•ing,
—v.i.
  1. to move one's feet or body, or both, rhythmically in a pattern of steps, esp. to the accompaniment of music.
  2. to leap, skip, etc., as from excitement or emotion; move nimbly or quickly: to dance with joy.
  3. to bob up and down: The toy sailboats danced on the pond.
—v.t.
  1. to perform or take part in (a dance): to dance a waltz.
  2. to cause to dance: He danced her around the ballroom.
  3. to cause to be in a specified condition by dancing: She danced her way to stardom.
  4. See(def. 4).
  5. to be hanged.
  6. to change one's behavior, attitudes, etc.
—n.
  1. a successive group of rhythmical steps or bodily motions, or both, usually executed to music.
  2. an act or round of dancing; set: May I have this dance?
  3. the art of dancing: to study dance.
  4. a social gathering or party for dancing; ball: Was he invited to the dance?
  5. a piece of music suited in rhythm or style to a particular form of dancing: He liked the composer's country dances.
  6. a stylized pattern of movements performed by an animal, as a bird in courtship display, or an insect, as a honeybee in indicating a source of nectar.
  7. ballet, interpretive dancing, and other dancing of an artistic nature performed by professional dancers before an audience.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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