terpsichorean

American  

[turp-si-kuh-ree-uhn, turp-si-kawr-ee-uhn, -kohr-] / ˌtɜrp sɪ kəˈri ən, ˌtɜrp sɪˈkɔr i ən, -ˈkoʊr- /

adjective

1. pertaining to dancing.

2. Terpsichorean, of or relating to Terpsichore.

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noun

1. a dancer.

Terpsichorean British  

/ -ˈkɔːrɪən, ˌtɜːpsɪkəˈrɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to dancing or the art of dancing

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noun

1. a dancer

Etymology

Origin of terpsichorean

First recorded in 1825–30; Terpsichore + -an

Explanation

If you want to describe your school dance with an impressive adjective, you can call it a terpsichorean party. Terpsichorean describes something that has to do with dancing. You might tell your friend that you're planning something terpsichorean for the big camp talent show. He may have no idea what you mean, but you'll know you're planning to dance. The word terpsichorean comes from Terpsikhore, one of Greek mythology's nine muses. Terpsikhore literally means "enjoyment of dance," and she was the muse known for ruling over dance while playing her lyre.

Example Sentences

Fineman is our very own Danny Kaye; like him, her physical comedy comes from a terpsichorean place.

From New York Times • Dec. 26, 2023

My own terpsichorean moment came in Zongjiao Lukang Park in the shadow of Potala, where hundreds of locals dance to blaring recorded music.

From Washington Post • Aug. 30, 2018

We owe profuse thanks to our terpsichorean tutor, Ms. Esther Frances of the Arthur Murray Dance Center on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.

From Slate • Oct. 8, 2014

One terpsichorean will stand triumphant when "So You Think You Can Dance" wraps its 10th season.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2014

His only voluntary terpsichorean effort at a party was the march to supper; and the only steps he ever took with anything like success were during the promenade in the lancers.

From A Boy I Knew and Four Dogs by Hutton, Laurence