performing arts

American  

plural noun

1. arts or skills that require public performance, as acting, singing, or dancing.

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performing arts British  

plural noun

1. the arts that are primarily performed before an audience, such as dance and drama

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Etymology

Origin of performing arts

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Several government buildings in the capital have put up banners of the president, while officials have added his name onto the Kennedy Center for the performing arts and the dismantled US Institute of Peace.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

One in Wellington, the equestrian community west of Palm Beach, is expected to include a 440,000-square-foot campus with a performing arts program and aquatic center.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

The 37-year-old, a performing arts teacher at Foxfield School in Wirral, said he was now "thankful" she did - after his effort stunned listeners.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

In Japanese, the word geisha means "person of the arts", and can refer to a woman or man trained in traditional Japanese performing arts.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The TV musical The Cheetah Girls, about four girls in a band at a performing arts high school in New York City, had just come out.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles