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

Separate theater and music departments became performing arts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Another depicts Compton High School as it once stood, contrasted with its newly rebuilt 31-acre campus, including a football field and a performing arts center funded in part by Compton native Dr. Dre.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 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 comments sparked backlash, particularly in the performing arts world, that gained steam in the past week.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

Under the radar, and without a formal charter, he had transformed Truman into something like a high school for the performing arts.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove