habanera

[ hah-buh-nair-uhor, often, -nyair-uh ]

noun

1. a dance of Cuban origin.
2. the music for this dance, having a slow duple meter and a rhythm similar to that of a tango.

habanera

/ ˌhæbəˈnɛərə /

noun

1. a slow Cuban dance in duple time
2. a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance

Word History and Origins

Origin of habanera¹

1875–80; < Spanish ( danza ) habanera (dance) of Havana

Word History and Origins

Origin of habanera¹

from Spanish danza habanera dance from Havana

Example Sentences

The Habanera went very well by being transposed half a tone higher; but the card-playing scene was another matter.

From Project Gutenberg

The Tango is in 2-4, played in moderately slow tempo; its rhythm is also adapted for the Habanera.

From Project Gutenberg

Alvarado dances the Habanera with the dancing-girl Chiquita.

From Project Gutenberg

The lady sang with great spirit, and her rendering of la Paloma and of the Habanera from Carmen was simply perfect.

From Project Gutenberg

He was wakeful and that wretched Habanera kept throbbing in his head.

From Project Gutenberg