ballet

The word “ballet” means a classical style of formal, expressive dance, or a theatrical performance of it, usually set to music. In plain terms, a formal, technical style of dance, or a performance in that style.

“Ballet” is pronounced BAL-ay (/bælˈeɪ/ in IPA).

Here is “ballet” used in a sentence: “She has studied ballet since she was five years old.”

“Ballet” is a noun.

The word “ballet” comes from Late Latin. Borrowed from French ballet, from Italian balletto, a diminutive of ballo ("dance"), from Late Latin ballare ("to dance").

“Ballet” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

"Ballet" is one specific classical style of formal, expressive dance, usually performed to music, while "dance" is the general term covering all forms of rhythmic body movement. All ballet is dance, but most dance is not ballet.

"Ballet" is the dance style or a theatrical performance of it, while a "ballerina" is a female ballet dancer who performs it. One word names the art form and the other names a performer.

"Ballet" frequently appears in phrases such as "ballet dancer," "ballet class," "ballet company," "ballet shoes," and "classical ballet." You typically say someone does or studies ballet rather than "plays" it.

Ballet developed much of its formal vocabulary in France, so many steps and positions keep French names such as plié and pirouette. That is why ballet classes around the world commonly use French terms regardless of the local language.