samba
Americannoun
plural
sambasverb (used without object)
noun
-
a lively modern ballroom dance from Brazil in bouncy duple time
-
a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance
verb
Etymology
Origin of samba
First recorded in 1885; from Portuguese, of African origin, possibly Kongo semba, the name of a dance
Vocabulary lists containing samba
South America - Middle School
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South America - Introductory
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South America - High School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Championship Manager 01-02 edition was a goldmine for cult heroes, and Cherno Samba is arguably the most renowned.
From BBC • May 5, 2026
A few miles from the current operation, Sino-Metals is constructing the $200 million Samba copper mine inside Kafue National Park.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026
The maker of Gazelle and Samba trainers said it expects operating profit to rise to 2.3 billion euros for 2026, as it unveiled its annual results.
From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026
It is a start, said Samba Yonga, the mother of Zambian teenager Chinyama.
From BBC • Jan. 17, 2026
None of them could give Samba any news of his parents: so after remaining a day or two with them he went on alone.
From Samba A Story of the Rubber Slaves of the Congo by Strang, Herbert
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.