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From The Waltz To The Jitterbug: How Classic Dances Got Their NamesAs you may suspect, the term “ballroom dancing” originates with the word “ball.” But what you may not know is that “ball” comes from the Latin word ballare, which means “to dance.” So what about all those dances performed in the ballroom? How did they get their names? The waltz The waltz is now considered a harmless, traditional type of ballroom dancing. But in 1825, it …
Nearby words
Origin of waltz
1775–85; back formation from German Walzer a waltz (taken as walz + -er1), derivative of walzen to roll, dance; compare obsolete English walt unsteady, dial. walter to roll
Related formswaltz·er, nounwaltz·like, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for waltz
British Dictionary definitions for waltz
waltz
/ (wɔːls) /
noun
a ballroom dance in triple time in which couples spin around as they progress round the room
a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance
verb
to dance or lead (someone) in or as in a waltzhe waltzed her off her feet
(intr) to move in a sprightly and self-assured manner
(intr) informal to succeed easily
Derived Formswaltzlike, adjective
Word Origin for waltz
C18: from German Walzer, from Middle High German walzen to roll; compare welter
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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