dalliance

[dal-ee-uhns, dal-yuhns]

noun

1. a trifling away of time; dawdling.

2. amorous toying; flirtation.

dalliance

/ ˈdælɪəns /

noun

1. waste of time in frivolous action or in dawdling

2. an archaic word for flirtation

Word History and Origins

Origin of dalliance¹

First recorded in 1300–50, dalliance is from the Middle English word daliaunce. See dally, -ance

Example Sentences

Former Democratic presidential candidate Gary Hart’s extramarital dalliance — on a yacht called Monkey Business, no less — kept Carson’s audience rolling for weeks.

From Salon

If this is my ideal Sunday, a f— buddy or a casual dalliance would come over, and we would have sex.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s the ghost of Blanche’s husband, who shot himself after she shamed him for his dalliance with another man.

From Los Angeles Times

His second marriage appears to be shaky, his attempt to take a third wife hit the buffers and there are also reports of another dalliance with a young princess.

From BBC

But this time the restraint isn’t derived from the fear of judgment; it’s borne out of the knowledge that any dalliance with Samuel could have dire consequences.

From Salon

Related Words

• fling