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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.


Etymology

Origin of dance card

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

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.

“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

But another key reason he stuck with the film, as it developed and his own dance card filled up rapidly in Hollywood, was Washington.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 21, 2021

"It wasn't done without thought. I also feel slightly like, is this a thing where our dance card has to be public?"

From Salon • Nov. 3, 2021

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

From "Slam!" by Walter Dean Myers

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