bossa nova

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

noun

1. jazz-influenced music of Brazilian origin, rhythmically related to the samba.

2. a dance performed to this music.

bossa nova

/ ˈbɒsə ˈnəʊvə /

noun

1. a dance similar to the samba, originating in Brazil

2. a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance

Word History and Origins

Origin of bossa nova¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of bossa nova¹

C20: Portuguese, literally: new voice

Example Sentences

“Oganesson” is constructed around his delicate strummed riff, which recalls the ease of bossa nova, and it has an airiness and jazziness not found elsewhere on the record.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But critics have lavished praise on the record, calling it a "jaw-dropping" and "brutal" act of "personal exorcism", while praising Allen's gift for melody, on songs that span flamenco, bossa nova, and "infectious pop".

Read more on BBC

Her 2021 solo debut, “Indigo Borboleta Anil,” expanded her palette to include samba, bossa nova and R&B. Tracks like “Baby 95”, “Lili”, and “Psiu” also showcased her versatility as a songwriter, who writes about receiving and being in love, embracing and trusting oneself that holds true to her Blackness and lived experience, and the vulnerability of becoming a solo artist.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Amarante, who has been a member of bands Los Hermanos, Orquestra Imperial and Little Joy, and who wrote and performs the theme song to Netflix’s critically acclaimed series “Narcos,” will open the series with his rock tunes infused with bossa nova and folk.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Gilberto’s first recorded vocal performance — cut, as she told it, at the suggestion of her husband, Brazilian singer and guitarist João Gilberto — crystallized an idea of pop sophistication that made her an instant star and helped send the sound of bossa nova around the world.

Read more on Los Angeles Times