sword dance

American  

noun

1. any of various dances, usually performed by men, in which swords are ceremonially flourished or are laid on the ground and danced around.

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sword dance British  

noun

1. a dance in which the performers dance nimbly over swords on the ground or brandish them in the air

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Other Word Forms

• sword dancer noun
• sword dancing noun

Etymology

Origin of sword dance

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

When Lamb forces himself to come slouching through, whether in a verbal sword dance with Scott Thomas’ Taverner or with a more physical display of spycraft, it isn’t just surprising, it’s inspirational.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 3, 2024

That trip was highlighted by a mystifying photo op of the leaders gathered around a glowing orb and Trump briefly joining a ceremonial sword dance.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 15, 2022

As part of the celebration, men and boys were already updating a traditional sword dance with new break-dance moves.

From New York Times • Apr. 24, 2022

Still, the U.S.-Saudi relationship is not going to be what it was, and not only because it’s harder to picture Biden doing a sword dance in Riyadh.

From Slate • Nov. 29, 2020

Each could tame a war horse, draw a bow, wield a sword, dance in the hall, carve at the board, frame love ditties, and sing them to fair ladies.

From The Prose Marmion A Tale of the Scottish Border by Jenkins, Sara D.