choreograph
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to provide the choreography for.
to choreograph a musical comedy.
-
to manage, maneuver, or direct.
The author is a genius at choreographing a large cast of characters.
verb (used without object)
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of choreograph
First recorded in 1875–80; back formation from choreography
Explanation
To choreograph is to make a dance, designing each move for a dancer to perform. Some dancers choreograph their own dances, although usually a choreographer does it. A dance, whether ballet or bhangra, is made up of a sequence of movements and steps — when you plan those movements, you choreograph. You might also choreograph other kinds of routines, like figure skating, cheerleading, or a marching band performance. You can even use the word to describe planning things that don't involve physical movement: "My managers are control freaks, they'll probably choreograph the whole meeting." The Greek roots are khoreia, "dance," and graphein, "to write."
Vocabulary lists containing choreograph
Curtain Call: Dance and Theater Terms
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Flying Lessons & Other Stories
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Dance - Introductory
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Constance Carpenter, the female lead, chose Bradley to choreograph her numbers.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026
But for Beijing, which likes to carefully choreograph such events to avoid any possibility of embarrassment, Trump's free-wheeling style is proving a challenge.
From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026
Not the menu, necessarily, but the way they choreograph comfort.
From Salon • Nov. 25, 2025
Even though I don’t choreograph to the musicality, that soundscape gives me so much support when I’m working.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2025
Lillian Meecham gathered her children around her to choreograph the homecoming.
From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
