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

Maria Superata, a geisha expert who has worked with them as an interpreter, explained that the show "combines all of the traditional performing arts that you can see in Japan".

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Festival organizers believe that a wide array of performing arts created by transgender artists can be a lifeline.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 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