plié

American  

[plee-ey] / pliˈeɪ /

noun

Ballet.

plural

pliés

1. a movement in which the knees are bent while the back is held straight.

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plié British  

/ ˈpliːeɪ /

noun

1. a classic ballet practice posture with back erect and knees bent

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Etymology

Origin of plié

1890–95; < French, noun use of past participle of plier to bend; ply ²

Example Sentences

When a dancer attempts to lay an egg, it is called a grand plié.

From Literature

"You're supposed to do a plié."

From Literature

When the lyrics announce, “Get out the way,” Boss, in a deep plié, sweeps an arm in front of his body, grabs Wong’s hand and sweeps him to the floor.

From New York Times

“Contact Fours” feels like summer: Crim, sinking in a juicy plié, holds his long arms to either side and winds them in tight circles like a surfer without a wave.

From New York Times

Quanbeck: “Sweet Dreams” is hard because you’ve already done so much of the number by that point, and then you’re in a low, deep plié for that whole sequence.

From Los Angeles Times