war dance

noun

1. a dance preliminary to going into battle or in celebration of a victory, as formerly among American Indians.

war dance

noun

1. a ceremonial dance performed before going to battle or after victory, esp by certain North American Indian peoples

2. a dance representing warlike action

Word History and Origins

Origin of war dance¹

An Americanism dating back to 1705–15

Example Sentences

In rugby union, regulations prevent opposing teams crossing the halfway line while New Zealand are performing the Maori war dance.

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Leading his masked foot soldiers in a strutting, chanting war dance through his Delmas 6 stronghold, they held their automatic weapons aloft.

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The All Blacks' pre-match ceremonial war dance is one of rugby's iconic sights.

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Movement director Jonathan Goddard is in more of a haka mood, he says, before briefly demonstrating the Maori war dance.

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So too will the traditional pre-match war dances of Samoa and Tonga - breathtaking moments worth the entrance fee alone.

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