bossa nova

[bos-uh noh-vuh, baw-suh]

noun

jazz-influenced music of Brazilian origin, rhythmically related to the samba.
a dance performed to this music.

Origin of bossa nova

1960–65; < Portuguese: literally, new tendency, leaning

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

British Dictionary definitions for bossa nova

bossa nova

noun

a dance similar to the samba, originating in Brazil
a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance

Word Origin for bossa nova

C20: Portuguese, literally: new voice

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for bossa nova

1962, Brazilian style of music, from Portuguese, literally "new tendency."