belly dance

noun

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

belly dance

noun

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

verb

1. (intr) to perform such a dance

Other Word Forms

• belly dancer noun
• belly dancing noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of belly dance¹

First recorded in 1895–1900