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

See Examples For:

performing arts

Aged six, she went to a boarding school run by nuns, where the performing arts and elocution lessons were encouraged.

From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026

The Kennedy Center on Monday dropped US President Donald Trump's name from the website of the performing arts venue.

From Barron's ● Jun. 8, 2026

Compton High alums and hip-hop heavyweights Kendrick Lamar and Dr. Dre joined the celebration, and the latter was honored for his $10-million donation to the new performing arts center.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 29, 2026

He packed oversight commissions with appointees who would rubber-stamp his delusions of grandeur and did the same with the Kennedy Center, whose new board promptly renamed the performing arts venue for him.

From Slate ● May 18, 2026

I can so clearly see you demanding something from the performing arts that just isn’t residual there.

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger