capoeira

[ kap-oo-air-uh ]

noun

1. a dance form incorporating martial arts elements, originating in Brazil as a system of physical discipline and movement.

capoeira

/ ˌkæpʊˈeɪrə /

noun

1. a movement discipline combining martial art and dance, which originated among African slaves in 19th-century Brazil

Word History and Origins

Origin of capoeira¹

First recorded in 1925–30; from Brazilian Portuguese; of uncertain origin; perhaps a transferred use of capoeira “cultivated area that has reverted to forest or scrub” (referring to the martial art that originated in gatherings held by enslaved and rural people), from Tupi kaápaũ (equivalent to kaá “forest, scrub” + puera “that which once was”); perhaps from Umbundu (a Bantu language spoken in southern Angola) kapwila “a blow, beating”

Word History and Origins

Origin of capoeira¹

C20: from Portuguese

Example Sentences

Toomey glides around the room like a Brazilian capoeira dancer.

From The Daily Beast