capoeira

American  

[kap-oo-air-uh] / ˌkæp uˈɛər ə /

noun

1. a dance form incorporating martial arts elements, originating in Brazil as a system of physical discipline and movement.

---

capoeira British  

/ ˌkæpʊˈeɪrə /

noun

1. a movement discipline combining martial art and dance, which originated among African slaves in 19th-century Brazil

---

Etymology

Origin of capoeira

First recorded in 1925–30; from Brazilian Portuguese; of uncertain origin; perhaps a transferred use of capoeira “cultivated area that has reverted to forest or scrub” (referring to the martial art that originated in gatherings held by enslaved and rural people), from Tupi kaápaũ (equivalent to kaá “forest, scrub” + puera “that which once was”); perhaps from Umbundu (a Bantu language spoken in southern Angola) kapwila “a blow, beating”

Explanation

Capoeira is an acrobatic Brazilian martial art. The rocking movements and handstands of capoeira distinguish it from most other martial art forms. Black Brazilians have practiced this traditional form of self defense since at least the 18th century. Capoeira was created by enslaved Africans and became more widely popular in Brazil after their emancipation in 1888. The combination of fierce fighting, dance-like movements, and acrobatics caught on worldwide — some people even credit capoeira with being an influence on break dancing. The Tupi roots of capoeira are ka'a, "forest," and paũ, "round," or area of low vegetation where enslaved Brazilians would hide.

Example Sentences

In San Francisco, Laura Neri has already enrolled her 4- and 7-year-old daughters in a Russian math camp or others focused on theater and Capoeira, the Brazilian martial art.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 2026

And two days a week, the Los Angeles chapter of the United Capoeira Assn. offers donation-based classes by the entrance of the Municipal Art Gallery from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 29, 2022

"Most of them only live in the present. Capoeira gives them somebody to guide them and helps them look to the future. It gives them a chance to dream."

From Reuters • Nov. 10, 2021

The Capoeira Center is one of a few capoeira organizations in Seattle and many around the world.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 27, 2021

The difference between Capoeira Angola and Capoeira Regional is subtle, but Capoeira Angola includes more instruments and its practitioners feel it is more spiritual.

From BBC • Jul. 6, 2021