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• terpsichorean
  terpsichorean

  adjective

  pertaining to dancing.
• Terpsichorean
  Terpsichorean

  adjective

  of or relating to dancing or the art of dancing

terpsichorean

American  

[turp-si-kuh-ree-uhn, turp-si-kawr-ee-uhn, -kohr-] / ˌtɜrp sɪ kəˈri ən, ˌtɜrp sɪˈkɔr i ən, -ˈkoʊr- /

adjective

1. pertaining to dancing.

2. Terpsichorean, of or relating to Terpsichore.

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noun

1. a dancer.

Terpsichorean British  

/ -ˈkɔːrɪən, ˌtɜːpsɪkəˈrɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to dancing or the art of dancing

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noun

1. a dancer

Etymology

Origin of terpsichorean

First recorded in 1825–30; Terpsichore + -an

Explanation

If you want to describe your school dance with an impressive adjective, you can call it a terpsichorean party. Terpsichorean describes something that has to do with dancing. You might tell your friend that you're planning something terpsichorean for the big camp talent show. He may have no idea what you mean, but you'll know you're planning to dance. The word terpsichorean comes from Terpsikhore, one of Greek mythology's nine muses. Terpsikhore literally means "enjoyment of dance," and she was the muse known for ruling over dance while playing her lyre.

Example Sentences

In Dallas the big story was the annual Terpsichorean Ball.

From Time Magazine Archive

If the offering up of pigeons or of lambs could have 89 propitiated the gods who presided over the Terpsichorean art, Mr. Sutton’s domestic altars would have been reeking with sacrifice.

From The Wayfarers by Cutting, Mary Stewart Doubleday

Late in the evening those that were fond of Terpsichorean amusement were ushered into a room where the tapestry was covered and there spent several hours in minuets, waltzes, quadrilles, etc.

From Every-Day Errors of Speech by Meredith, L. P.

Then a year on the stage; then six months devoted to the composition of three novels and three plays, each with a Terpsichorean motive.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 158, 1920-04-21 by Various

My education in 'the light fantastic' has been extremely limited, and my acquaintances will testify that nature has not adapted me to achievements in the Terpsichorean art.

From Overland through Asia; Pictures of Siberian, Chinese, and Tartar Life by Knox, Thomas Wallace