waltz

[wawlts]

noun

1. a ballroom dance, in moderately fast triple meter, in which the dancers revolve in perpetual circles, taking one step to each beat.

2. a piece of music for, or in the rhythm of, this dance.

3. Informal.,  an easy victory or accomplishment.

   The game was a waltz—we won by four touchdowns. The math exam was a waltz.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of the waltz, as music, rhythm, or dance.

   waltz tempo.

verb (used without object)

1. to dance or move in a waltz step or rhythm.

   an invitation to waltz.

2. Informal.

   1. to move breezily or casually.

      to waltz in late for dinner.

   2. to progress easily or successfully (often followed bythrough ).

      to waltz through an exam.

verb (used with object)

1. to lead (a partner) in dancing a waltz.

2. Informal.,  to move or lead briskly and easily.

   He waltzed us right into the governor's office.

3. to fill (a period of time) with waltzing (often followed by away, through, etc.).

   They waltzed the night away.

waltz

/ wɔːls /

noun

1. a ballroom dance in triple time in which couples spin around as they progress round the room

2. a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance

verb

1. to dance or lead (someone) in or as in a waltz

   he waltzed her off her feet

2. (intr) to move in a sprightly and self-assured manner

3. informal,  (intr) to succeed easily

Other Word Forms

• waltzlike adjective
• waltzer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of waltz¹

1775–85; back formation from German Walzer a waltz (taken as walz + -er ¹ ), derivative of walzen to roll, dance; compare obsolete English walt unsteady, dial. walter to roll

Word History and Origins

Origin of waltz¹

C18: from German Walzer, from Middle High German walzen to roll; compare _welter

Example Sentences

Throughout, it’s an elegant work, drifting from slow-burning waltzes to atmospheric explorations.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

There are 15 couples hoping to waltz their way to the glitterball trophy, with the first live show taking place on Saturday night.

Read more on BBC

Davies, who is also a podcaster, will make her Strictly debut on Saturday - the first live show of the series - and will be dancing the waltz with Nikita Kuzmin, having just started rehearsals with him.

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They create another kind of electricity that highlights Black Newport’s society ball when William strides onto the dance floor, politely interrupts Peggy’s waltz with another gentleman, and drops to one knee to propose.

Read more on Salon

But the ones people hum are the funny ones, the ones you can polka or waltz or mosh to, the ones that pep you up.

Read more on Los Angeles Times