quickstep

American  

[kwik-step] / ˈkwɪkˌstɛp /

noun

1. (formerly) a lively step used in marching.

2. music adapted to such a march, or in a brisk march rhythm.

3. a lively step or combination of steps in ballroom dancing.

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quickstep British  

/ ˈkwɪkˌstɛp /

noun

1. a modern ballroom dance in rapid quadruple time

2. a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance

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verb

1. (intr) to perform this dance

Etymology

Origin of quickstep

First recorded in 1795–1805; quick + step

Example Sentences

Back in the actual 1990s, ice dancers cycled through traditional dances: samba, blues, polka, rumba, quickstep, tango, jive, paso doble, Viennese waltz.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

Feeling safe and among their own, they made many friends there while polishing off their tango and quickstep.

From Salon • Jan. 28, 2023

Odudu, 33, scored her first perfect 40 for a quickstep during last Saturday's semi-final.

From BBC • Dec. 15, 2021

In Monday night’s bouncy quickstep, Rigsby matched Burke’s movements more closely, and though his steps still lacked crispness, he was light on his feet and never betrayed a blink of fatigue.

From Washington Post • Oct. 19, 2021

Without doubt Andy was the player, ay, and the performer too; for he was dancing a species of quickstep solo, surrounded by a circle of grinning and delighted habitans.

From Cedar Creek From the Shanty to the Settlement by Walshe, Elizabeth Hely