cha-cha

American  

[chah-chah] / ˈtʃɑˌtʃɑ /

Also cha-cha-cha

noun

plural

cha-chas

1. a fast ballroom dance of Latin American origin, similar to the mambo, that follows a rhythmic pattern based upon a quick three-step movement.

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verb (used without object)

cha-chaed, cha-chaing

1. to dance the cha-cha.

Etymology

Origin of cha-cha

First recorded in 1950–55; from Latin American Spanish (Cuban) cha-cha-cha, probably imitative of the musical accompaniment

Example Sentences

Judge Craig Revel Horwood praised their cha-cha to 100 Degrees by Kylie and Dannii Minogue, saying it was "absolutely fierce, serving realness, serving fab-u-lous".

From BBC • Dec. 25, 2024

In October, Spears was eliminated from the ABC reality program “Dancing With the Stars” after she and her dance partner scored a 16 out of 30 on their cha-cha routine.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 29, 2023

"I think that he'll land on his feet because if he learns to cha-cha he can go to 'Dancing With the Stars,'" Behar quipped, earning a few laughs from the audience.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2023

Nights were for parties, no-frills affairs with a disco ball, women in glittery gowns and a steady stream of cha-cha, fox trot, waltz, salsa, tango, bachata and occasional pop interludes.

From Washington Post • Jan. 24, 2023

Mr. Jordan was dancing the cha-cha in front of the room.

From "A Very Large Expanse of Sea" by Tahereh Mafi