belly dance

American  

noun

1. a solo dance of Middle Eastern origin, performed by a woman with midriff exposed, emphasizing movements of the pelvis and abdominal muscles.

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belly dance British  

noun

1. a sensuous and provocative dance of Middle Eastern origin, performed by women, with undulating movements of the hips and abdomen

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verb

1. (intr) to perform such a dance

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• belly dancer
  noun
• belly dancing
  noun

Etymology

Origin of belly dance

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Her entry uses traditional Greek instruments and references the popular belly dance Tsifteteli.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

Just in the past few months, Kuwaiti authorities shut down a popular gym hosting belly dance classes.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 20, 2022

“I think it’s easier to cook vegetables over the Chinese New Year period,” said Darren Ho, 32, a chef and belly dance instructor in Singapore.

From New York Times • Jan. 21, 2022

Eman Zaki is often called the Coco Chanel of belly dance.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2019

Here Mrs. Taylor ventured into the Street in Cairo, open at last, and witnessed her first belly dance.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson