noun

Zumba

ZOOM-buh

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Zumba (noun) means a branded fitness workout that mixes Latin American dance moves with aerobic exercise, usually done in a group class to upbeat music. Example: “She goes to a Zumba class twice a week to stay in shape.”

noun

A branded fitness workout that mixes Latin American dance moves with aerobic exercise, usually done in a group class to upbeat music.

"She goes to a Zumba class twice a week to stay in shape."

"The gym added a Zumba session on Saturday mornings."

How to use Zumba

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA dance-based cardio workout class, popular in gyms worldwide, built around Latin rhythms like salsa and reggaeton.

Common pairings

Zumba class Zumba instructor do Zumba

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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She goes to a _____ class twice a week to stay in shape.

Etymology

A trademarked name created in the 1990s by Colombian dance instructor Beto Pérez. He originally wanted to call the workout "rumba," but that name was already taken by the Cuban music style, so he settled on the invented, similar-sounding "Zumba" instead.

· First attested 1990

Class of 1990 Zumba joined the language around 1990.

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Rhymes for Zumba

rumba jumba

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Frequently asked questions

What does “Zumba” mean?

The word “Zumba” means a branded fitness workout that mixes Latin American dance moves with aerobic exercise, usually done in a group class to upbeat music. In plain terms, a dance-based cardio workout class, popular in gyms worldwide, built around Latin rhythms like salsa and reggaeton.

How do you pronounce “Zumba”?

“Zumba” is pronounced ZOOM-buh (/ˈzum.bə/ in IPA).

How do you use “Zumba” in a sentence?

Here is “Zumba” used in a sentence: “She goes to a Zumba class twice a week to stay in shape.”

What part of speech is “Zumba”?

“Zumba” is a noun.

Where does the word “Zumba” come from?

The word “Zumba” dates back to around 1990.

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