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

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

Equity is the performing arts and entertainment trade union which has about 50,000 members in the UK.

From BBC • May 17, 2026

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

“For instance,” he continues, and I see that he’s in some kind of jazz sneaker, “I run a performing arts studio in Florida, for gifted children. Like my nephew, Shawn.”

From "Better Nate Than Ever" by Tim Federle