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

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

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

“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