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• terpsichorean
  terpsichorean

  adjective

  pertaining to dancing.
• Terpsichorean
  Terpsichorean

  adjective

  of or relating to dancing or the art of dancing

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

In Dallas the big story was the annual Terpsichorean Ball.

From Time Magazine Archive

Laurie followed, for the second time in his life wishing that the Terpsichorean art had been included in his education!

From The Turner Twins by Barbour, Ralph Henry

Little of either grace or dignity will be observed in the Terpsichorean efforts of the Roman plebs of the present day.

From Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science Volume 17, No. 100, April, 1876 by Various

And Tim’s graceful dancing was a revelation of the possibilities of the Terpsichorean art.

From The Radio Boys at the Sending Station Making Good in the Wireless Room by Chapman, Allen

All this time the dancers inside were devoting themselves, without interruption, to Terpsichorean pleasures,—mostly waltzes, they being the special delight of Frau Stark.

From A Little Garrison A Realistic Novel of German Army Life of To-day by Bilse, Fritz Oswald