waltz

/wɔlts/

/wɒltz/

Other forms: waltzing; waltzes; waltzed

A dance in which two dancers move in triple time as they turn together in circles is called a waltz, and it's also the name of music that's written for that sort of dance. If you aspire to be a competitive ballroom dancer, you'll need to master the waltz.

Waltz is also a verb, so couples may waltz around the ballroom while the band plays a waltz. When you waltz, you face your dance partner with one hand on their waist or shoulder and the other clasping their hand. The two of you move in a gliding spin. It its earliest days, the waltz was considered a bit shocking—previous dances were "open," with couples side by side, rather than "closed," with dancers facing each other.

Definitions of waltz

1. noun

   music composed in triple time for waltzing
   type of:

   dance music

   music to dance to
2. noun

   a ballroom dance in triple time with a strong accent on the first beat
   synonyms: valse

   type of:

   ballroom dance, ballroom dancing

   any of a variety of social dances performed by couples in a ballroom
3. noun

   an assured victory (especially in an election)
   synonyms: walk-in

   type of:

   triumph, victory

   a successful ending of a struggle or contest
4. verb

   dance a waltz
   synonyms: waltz around

   type of:

   dance, trip the light fantastic, trip the light fantastic toe

   move in a pattern; usually to musical accompaniment; do or perform a dance