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

Secret Service agents at a checkpoint a floor above the ballroom where Trump and other administration officials were attending the annual White House Correspondents’ Assn. dinner.

From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2026

Roughly two minutes into the ensuing press conference, Trump praised the Secret Service but then quickly brought up the ballroom.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

Since the start of 2026, the White House ballroom has become a topic Trump is so fixated with that he can’t seem to stop talking about it.

From Slate • Apr. 30, 2026

Secret Service agents tackled the alleged assailant before he was able to reach the ballroom where the gala was taking place.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

Benji handed the microphone back to the DJ and led the way out of the ballroom.

From "Millionaires for the Month" by Stacey McAnulty

Related Words

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