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

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

Oscar-nominated Chalamet triggered a backlash from the performing arts world after he appeared to dismiss the two art forms.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Separate theater and music departments became performing arts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 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