flamenco

[ flah-meng-koh, fluh- ]

noun

, plural fla·men·cos.

1. a style of dancing, characteristic of the Andalusian Roma, that is strongly rhythmic and involves vigorous actions, as clapping the hands and stamping the feet.
2. a style of instrumental or vocal music originating in southern Spain and typically of an intensely rhythmic, improvisatory character, performed by itself or as an accompaniment to flamenco dancing.

adjective

1. Also flamencan. of or like the music and dances of the Andalusian Roma:

   flamenco rhythms.

flamenco

/ fləˈmɛŋkəʊ /

noun

1. a type of dance music for vocal soloist and guitar, characterized by elaborate melody and sad mood
2. the dance performed to such music

Word History and Origins

Origin of flamenco¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; from Spanish flamenco “pertaining to the Andalusian Roma,” literally, Fleming ¹ (in the sense “a native of Flanders”); the sense shift is variously explained

Word History and Origins

Origin of flamenco¹

from Spanish: like a gipsy, literally: Fleming, from Middle Dutch Vlaminc Fleming

Example Sentences

It evolved to rhumba, also known as ballroom rumba in the US and is a major influence of rumba flamenco in Spain.

From Quartz

We went online to Casa Patas—now closed for good by the pandemic—and saw flamenco by video.

From MIT Technology Review

The one I have right now is very focused on dancers, so I might send people a picture of flamenco dancers or a clip of Bob Fosse and I’ll say, “Look at their posture.”

From Vox

She thanks the band—a neo-folk Flamenco outfit—calling out each member by name.

From The Daily Beast

So they, like flamenco, are part of a tradition invulnerable to trembling before life at its most decidedly bittersweet.

From The Daily Beast

Perico, Naos, and Flamenco, three little islands lying in front of Panama.

From Project Gutenberg

A flame of fire is the Arab signification of their name flamenco.

From Project Gutenberg

Presently one of the flamenco women quits her chair, and begins to strike extraordinary postures.

From Project Gutenberg

Don Antonio turns to me and shouts in tones of triumph: "¿Qué flamenco, eh?"

From Project Gutenberg

But that which I will teach you will be a classicized Flamenco.

From Project Gutenberg