ballroom

American  

[bawl-room, -room] / ˈbɔlˌrum, -ˌrʊm /

noun

1. a large room, as in a hotel or resort, with a polished floor for dancing.

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ballroom British  

/ -ˌrʊm, ˈbɔːlˌruːm /

noun

1. a large hall for dancing

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Etymology

Origin of ballroom

First recorded in 1730–40; ball ² + room

Explanation

A ballroom is a room that has enough space for many people to dance. Traditionally, a ballroom has either a hardwood or marble floor. Most private houses are built without ballrooms these days, but it was once common for a grand home or mansion to include a special room for throwing dance parties. These ballrooms were large, with high ceilings, and could accommodate a live band and many dancers. Ballroom dancing was originally a formal, social dance form that only happened in ballrooms. The word comes from ball, or party, with the Latin root ballare, "to dance."

Example Sentences

If the White House is at its core a residence, a ballroom extends an invitation to a larger public—which includes many who will never step inside.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Trump had kicked the week off March 29 by touting his 90,000-square-foot ballroom project, showing designs to reporters on Air Force One.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

He doesn’t understand a lot about his job, but he understands construction of a ballroom.

From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026

For the ballroom to suffer a setback in federal court, then, is for the whole world to be in sudden danger.

From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026

“Excuse me!” cried Mrs. Malvolio, bustling through the packed ballroom, working her way toward the stage.

From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein

Related Words

• amphitheater
• arena
• auditorium
• chamber
• church
• gallery
• gym
• gymnasium
• lounge
• theater