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

• waltzer noun
• waltzlike adjective

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

Still, these income sources didn’t add up to a lot, so I couldn’t waltz out and buy garments off the rack.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The bubble was popped soon after though, when Australia waltzed to another crushing win.

Read more on BBC

Both the Hoosiers and the Commodores have excelled by perfecting the mad waltz of modern college football—flipping over the roster and bringing in older, experienced talent, especially at the quarterback position.

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And performer La Voix's Waltz left the audience and judges in a stunned silence, after a magical waltz in which she became Mary Poppins.

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times