square-dance

¹ American  

[skwair-dans, -dahns] / ˈskwɛərˌdæns, -ˌdɑns /

verb (used without object)

square-danced, square-dancing

1. to perform or participate in a square dance.

2. to participate in a hoedown.

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square dance ² American  

noun

1. a dance by a set of four couples arranged in a square or in some set form.

2. hoedown.

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square dance British  

noun

1. any of various formation dances, such as a quadrille, in which the couples form squares

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verb

1. (intr) to perform such a dance

Other Word Forms

• square dancer noun
• square dancing noun
• square-dancer noun

Etymology

Origin of square-dance¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Origin of square dance¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

It was mainly square dancing, but we also learned to waltz, polka, schottische and foxtrot.

From Los Angeles Times

There were fewer evenings of ballroom dancing and more square dancing and picnics.

From Seattle Times

Mr. Oelze took up guitar in his teens and performed with local musicians at square dances.

From Washington Post

Young Ray taught himself to play ukulele and guitar at an early age and later provided music for square dances with his two older brothers, who played fiddle and guitar.

From New York Times

“Looks like you had a blerry square dance up here. You certainly live up to your name, Disaster. You’ve disabled half the farm crew.”

From Literature