dalliance

/ˈdæliɪns/

/ˈdæliɪns/

Other forms: dalliances

A dalliance is a playful flirtation, one that might lead to a casual romance. The king's public dalliance toward the lady in waiting shocked everyone in the court except for the queen.

First appearing in Middle English, the noun dalliance stems from the verb dally, meaning "to waste time, to act playfully, especially in a flirtatious way." Dalliance often describes a casual flirtation — generally something short-term and not very serious. Your aunt may blush when you mention her dalliance with the rugby player she met that time in Dublin. Dalliance can also refer to goofing off when you should be working. Your coworker's continued dalliance can result in missed deadlines.

Definitions of dalliance

1. noun

   the deliberate act of delaying and playing instead of working
   synonyms: dawdling, trifling

   type of:

   delay, holdup

   the act of delaying; inactivity resulting in something being put off until a later time
2. noun

   playful behavior intended to arouse romantic interest
   synonyms: coquetry, flirt, flirtation, flirting, toying

   type of:

   caper, frolic, gambol, play, romp

   light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement