tango
1 synonyms and 0 antonyms for tango, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A passionate ballroom dance in 4/4 time, originally from Argentina, or the music written for it.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use tango
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Borrowed from Rioplatense Spanish tango, likely originating in a West African language.
Full origin of tango →Frequently asked questions
What does “tango” mean?
The word “tango” means a passionate ballroom dance in 4/4 time, originally from Argentina, or the music written for it. In plain terms, a dramatic partner dance from Argentina, or to dance it.
How do you pronounce “tango”?
“Tango” is pronounced TANG-goh (/ˈtæ̝ŋɡoʊ̯/ in IPA).
How do you use “tango” in a sentence?
Here is “tango” used in a sentence: “They danced a slow, dramatic tango.”
What part of speech is “tango”?
Depending on how it is used, “tango” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “tango” come from?
The word “tango” comes from Spanish. Borrowed from Rioplatense Spanish tango, likely originating in a West African language.
Is “tango” a common word?
“Tango” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “tango” have?
“Tango” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a passionate ballroom dance in 4/4 time, originally from Argentina, or the music written for it.
What is the difference between tango and other ballroom dances?
The tango is a passionate ballroom dance in 4/4 time originally from Argentina, distinguished by its dramatic, close-hold movements and sharp, staccato steps. Other ballroom dances, such as the waltz, differ in tempo, rhythm, and mood, with the waltz being smoother and in 3/4 time compared to the tango's intensity.
Where does the tango originate from?
The tango originated in Argentina, and the term refers to both the dance itself and the music written for it. It later spread internationally and became a staple of ballroom dance culture.
What does it mean to tango with something figuratively?
Beyond the literal dance, tango is sometimes used figuratively to describe engaging closely or intensely with a person or situation, drawing on the dance's connotation of paired, coordinated action, though the dictionary's core sense of tango is the dance and music themselves.