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verb B2 Upper-Intermediate

prance

PRAHNS

Prance (verb) means to move about with high, springy steps, often showing off. Example: “The horse pranced proudly around the show ring.”

verb
1
To move about with high, springy steps, often showing off.
"The horse pranced proudly around the show ring."
"He pranced into the office like he owned the place."

How to use prance

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWalking or moving in a bouncy, showy way, often to draw attention.

Common pairings
prance around prance about

Word forms

pranced past tense, prances plural, prances singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The horse _____ proudly around the show ring.

Etymology

From Middle English "prancen," likely a variant of "pranken" ("to show off"), related to "prank" in its older sense of dressing or acting ostentatiously.

Origin: Middle English

Related words

Rhymes for prance

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Frequently asked questions

What does “prance” mean?

The word “prance” means to move about with high, springy steps, often showing off. In plain terms, walking or moving in a bouncy, showy way, often to draw attention.

How do you pronounce “prance”?

“Prance” is pronounced PRAHNS (/ˈpɹæns/ in IPA).

How do you use “prance” in a sentence?

Here is “prance” used in a sentence: “The horse pranced proudly around the show ring.”

What part of speech is “prance”?

“Prance” is a verb.

Where does the word “prance” come from?

The word “prance” comes from Middle English. From Middle English "prancen," likely a variant of "pranken" ("to show off"), related to "prank" in its older sense of dressing or acting ostentatiously.

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