dancing
3 synonyms for dancing, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The activity of moving to music as a dance.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use dancing
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
go dancing
ballroom dancing
street dancing
Etymology
Formed from dance and -ing. The sense meaning “dance club” instead comes from French dancing, a pseudo-anglicism built from English dance plus -ing.
Full origin of dancing →Frequently asked questions
What does “dancing” mean?
The word “dancing” means the activity of moving to music as a dance. In plain terms, the activity of dancing, or a place/event centered on it.
How do you pronounce “dancing”?
“Dancing” is pronounced DAHNS-ihng (/ˈdæns.ɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “dancing” in a sentence?
Here is “dancing” used in a sentence: “They spent the evening dancing at the club.”
What part of speech is “dancing”?
“Dancing” is a noun.
Is “dancing” a common word?
“Dancing” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What are the different types of dancing?
Dancing takes countless forms. Ballroom and Latin styles include the waltz, tango, and salsa; ballet and contemporary are performance-based; and street styles like hip-hop and breaking grew from popular culture. There are also folk and cultural dances worldwide, plus social dancing done purely for fun at parties and clubs.
Is dancing good exercise?
Yes, dancing is an effective full-body workout. It raises the heart rate, improves stamina, balance, coordination, and flexibility, and burns energy much like other aerobic activities. Because it is enjoyable and social, many people find it easier to keep up than the gym. It also lifts mood and reduces stress.
What is the difference between dancing and a dance?
Dancing is the activity itself — the ongoing act of moving to music. A dance can mean a single set sequence of movements, like a particular style or routine, or a social event where people dance. So you might go to a dance to spend the evening dancing.
