tea dance

American  

noun

1. a dance held at teatime.

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tea dance British  

noun

1. a dance held in the afternoon at which tea is served

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Etymology

Origin of tea dance

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

In Belfast, there will be guided tours of wartime landmarks and a "tea dance" hosted in the City Hall.

From BBC • May 2, 2025

Some favored the social gatherings that featured an open floor, where they could buy a ticket to what is known as the afternoon tea dance or the night dance.

From New York Times • Feb. 24, 2023

“Last Tango in Halifax” ended with the leads, Derek Jacobi and Anne Reid, at a tea dance.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 9, 2022

During Pride, events include a book reading, spoken word, DJs, and a combination drag show and tea dance.

From Washington Post • Jun. 9, 2022

How about startin' in with the tea dance at the Admiral, just opened?

From Torchy and Vee by Ford, Sewell