English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

cancan

KAN-kan
Quiz me More like this

Cancan (noun) means a lively, high-kicking chorus-line dance that originated in 19th-century France. Example: “The dancers performed a cancan to roaring applause.”

noun
1
A lively, high-kicking chorus-line dance that originated in 19th-century France.
"The dancers performed a cancan to roaring applause."

How to use cancan

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA fast, high-kicking French stage dance, often associated with Parisian cabaret.

Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like cancan.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice

Word forms

Plural
cancans
Third person singular
cancans
Past tense
cancanned
Test yourself on “cancan” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The dancers performed a _____ to roaring applause.

Etymology

Borrowed directly from French cancan.

Origin: French

Frequently asked questions

What does “cancan” mean?
The word “cancan” means a lively, high-kicking chorus-line dance that originated in 19th-century France. In plain terms, a fast, high-kicking French stage dance, often associated with Parisian cabaret.
How do you pronounce “cancan”?
“Cancan” is pronounced KAN-kan (/ˈkænˌkæn/ in IPA).
How do you use “cancan” in a sentence?
Here is “cancan” used in a sentence: “The dancers performed a cancan to roaring applause.”
What part of speech is “cancan”?
“Cancan” is a noun.
Where does the word “cancan” come from?
The word “cancan” comes from French. Borrowed directly from French cancan.