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

"Our first kiss was magical," said Shona, who was a performing arts teacher when she signed up to the show.

From BBC • May 18, 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

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

Separate theater and music departments became performing arts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

We climbed the steps to the performing arts center.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter