capoeira

American  

[kap-oo-air-uh] / ˌkæp uˈɛər ə /

noun

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

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capoeira British  

/ ˌkæpʊˈeɪrə /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of capoeira

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”

Example Sentences

Then it adopted moves from break dancing, samba, capoeira, frevo — whatever was around.

From Seattle Times

The now 65-year-old fugitive had been active in a group practicing the Brazilian martial art of capoeira and in a local Afro-Brazilian society, even participating in a popular Berlin street festival and being photographed there.

From New York Times

In one image, she posed with her local capoeira troupe as they waved their arms exuberantly.

From New York Times

The dancers also tumble slowly, as in capoeira, showing fluid control rather than momentum and daring.

From New York Times

She spent a few months in the South American country practicing capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art, Fateyev said, clutching a bunch of yellow tulips as he waited to pay his respects at the funeral.

From Seattle Times