sashay

American  

[sa-shey] / sæˈʃeɪ /

verb (used without object)

Informal.

1. to glide, move, or proceed easily or nonchalantly.

   She just sashayed in as if she owned the place.

2. to chassé in dancing.

---

sashay British  

/ sæˈʃeɪ /

verb

1. to move, walk, or glide along casually

2. to move or walk in a showy way; parade

---

Etymology

Origin of sashay

1830–40, metathetic variant of chassé ( def. )

Explanation

To sashay is to walk with an exaggerated flounce. Fashion models sometimes sashay down the runway. When you sashay, you're showing off — but in a deliberately casual way. Kids playing dress up might sashay, and the most popular middle school students might sashay into class on the first day. You can also use sashay to describe a dance step, both a sideways square dance move and a ballet step; it's a mispronunciation of the French ballet term chassé, "gliding step," from chasser, "to chase," since one foot "chases" the other.

Example Sentences

The four finalists sat down with judges RuPaul and Michelle Visage to reflect on their time on the reality show, serving up some dazzling final looks before Silllexa and Catrin were asked to sashay away.

From BBC • Nov. 28, 2025

On a sunny afternoon last week, a huge crowd gathered to watch models sashay and pivot, showcasing pieces from bales once discarded as unwearable or unsellable.

From Barron's • Oct. 13, 2025

The band is an explosion of coordinated energy, with far more activity than the average marching band as its members skip, high kick and sashay, all while playing a tune.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2024

Today, when the speakers atop the group’s sound truck erupt in downtown Milwaukee, the Grannies sashay to a carefree beat: “We are family! I’ve got all my sisters with me!”

From Seattle Times • Nov. 17, 2022

“You’re trying to toy with him. Make him like you and then sashay on your merry way.”

From "It All Comes Down to This" by Karen English