noun Common

morris

MO-rihs

Morris (noun) means a traditional English folk dance performed by groups of dancers, often with bells, sticks, or handkerchiefs. Example: “The village fair featured a team of morris dancers in bright ribbons.”

noun

A traditional English folk dance performed by groups of dancers, often with bells, sticks, or handkerchiefs.

"The village fair featured a team of morris dancers in bright ribbons."

"They learned morris steps for the summer festival."

verb

To perform this traditional folk dance.

"The troupe morrised through the town square to the sound of accordions."

How to use morris

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA folk dance from England, performed in costume with bells or sticks, or the act of performing it.

Common pairings

morris dancing morris dancers a morris side

Word forms

morrised past tense, morrises plural, morrises plural, Morrises plural, morrises singular

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The village fair featured a team of _____ dancers in bright ribbons.

Etymology

Ultimately from "Moorish," as the dance was historically associated with exotic or foreign costume and disguise.

Rhymes for morris

Norris

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Frequently asked questions

What does “morris” mean?

The word “morris” means a traditional English folk dance performed by groups of dancers, often with bells, sticks, or handkerchiefs. In plain terms, a folk dance from England, performed in costume with bells or sticks, or the act of performing it.

How do you pronounce “morris”?

“Morris” is pronounced MO-rihs (/ˈmɒɹɪs/ in IPA).

How do you use “morris” in a sentence?

Here is “morris” used in a sentence: “The village fair featured a team of morris dancers in bright ribbons.”

What part of speech is “morris”?

Depending on how it is used, “morris” can be a noun and a verb.

Is “morris” a common word?

“Morris” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “morris” have?

“Morris” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a traditional English folk dance performed by groups of dancers, often with bells, sticks, or handkerchiefs.

What is a morris dance?

A morris dance is a traditional English folk dance performed by groups of dancers, often using bells, sticks, or handkerchiefs. It is usually accompanied by live music and linked with seasonal celebrations.

Should "morris" be capitalised in "morris dance"?

The word "morris" in "morris dance" is generally written in lowercase. It is capitalised only when it appears as a personal name or surname, or at the start of a sentence.

Can "morris" be used as a verb?

Yes. As a verb, "morris" means to perform this traditional folk dance, as in "they morris every May Day." This verb use is much less common than the noun.

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