dance card

American  

noun

1. a card listing, in order, the names of the partners with whom a woman has agreed to dance at a formal ball or party.

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Etymology

Origin of dance card

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

dance card

“I’m not racing to get my dance card full,” he says, almost as an aside.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 15, 2026

After all, his dance card was pretty full with both of the American sports teams he owns, the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Jersey Devils, in the playoffs.

From Washington Times ● May 2, 2023

His dance card is full for the foreseeable future, including a Netflix movie for the Russo Brothers, “The Electric State.”

From New York Times ● Dec. 30, 2022

There’s a packed slate of classical ballet, contemporary dance, Indigenous performance art and more to put on your dance card this fall.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 9, 2022

“Yo, you better check your dance card again,” I said.

From "Slam!" by Walter Dean Myers