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

“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

In 1981, 114 people were killed when a pair of suspended walkways above the lobby of the Kansas City Hyatt Regency Hotel collapsed during a tea dance.

From Washington Times • Jul. 17, 2020

I am going first to the dressmaker, to see about having that lovely frock you bought me fitted for Delilah's tea dance; then I'll meet you at Mrs. Carey's luncheon.

From Contrary Mary by Bailey, Temple