Ballet

/bæˈleɪ/

nounBeginner📊CommonArts
1 meaning1 question

Definitions

1

A theatrical performance of dancing, typically accompanied by music, scenery, and costumes.

/bæˈleɪ/

nounneutralBeginner
Arts

An artistic dance form

She's been studying ballet since she was five.

💡 Simply: A type of dance show.

More Examples

2

The ballet was both beautiful and emotionally moving.

How It's Used

Performing Arts

"The Royal Ballet performed a stunning rendition of Swan Lake."

From French *ballet*, from Italian *balletto*, diminutive of *ballo* "dance".

Ballet emerged in the Italian Renaissance courts and evolved into the sophisticated art form we know today.

Memory tip

Think of graceful ballerinas leaping across the stage.

Word Origin

LanguageItalian
Original meaning

"dance"

ballet dancerballet classballet shoesballet music

Common misspellings

baletballay

Usage

10%Spoken
90%Written