waltz

American  

[wawlts] / wɔlts /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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

• waltzer noun
• waltzlike adjective

Etymology

Origin of waltz

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

Example Sentences

As Violetta gives Alfredo her likeness to remind him of her after she dies, Verdi brings in the rhythm of a funeral march, but within the triple meter of the waltz.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

Just don’t expect to waltz in and get a seat.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 17, 2025

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

From BBC • Sep. 26, 2025

McCausland and Buswell recreated their waltz to You'll Never Walk Alone, their performance of which was voted the most memorable moment at the 2025 Baftas.

From BBC • Sep. 20, 2025

I knew very well that all he said was ridiculous, not light for their darkness but flattery, illusion, a vortex pulling them from sunlight to heat, a kind of midsummer burgeoning, waltz to the sickle.

From "Grendel" by John Gardner