rumba

American  

[ruhm-buh, room-, room-] / ˈrʌm bə, ˈrʊm-, ˈrum- /

Also rhumba

noun

plural

rumbas

1. a dance, Cuban in origin and complex in rhythm.

2. an imitation or adaptation of this dance in the United States.

3. music for this dance or in its rhythm.

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verb (used without object)

rumbaed, rumbaing

1. to dance the rumba.

rumba British  

/ ˈrʌmbə, ˈrʊm- /

noun

1. a rhythmic and syncopated Cuban dance in duple time

2. a ballroom dance derived from this

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

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Etymology

Origin of rumba

First recorded in 1910–15; from Latin American Spanish (Cuba): literally, “party; spree,” from Spanish rumbo “commotion, uproar,” earlier “ostentation, pomp”; further origin uncertain

Example Sentences

Both 72, they call the event Los Tradicionales — “the traditional ones” — because their goal is to help preserve Cuba’s rich dance heritage, from rumba to timba to casino, an ancestor of salsa.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

"Pure rumba is starting to get lost," he said.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

Since 1984, La Creche's legendary orchestra has passed down the rumba tradition, performing covers of the great classics by legends like Franco Luambo, Tabu Ley Rochereau and Grand Kalle.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

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

Caroline and I walked over to the window to watch the Ruiz clan dance to the rumba.

From "Krik? Krak!" by Edwidge Danticat