dalliance

[ dal-ee-uhns, dal-yuhns ]

noun

1. a trifling away of time; dawdling.
2. amorous toying; flirtation.

dalliance

/ ˈdælɪəns /

noun

1. waste of time in frivolous action or in dawdling
2. an archaic word for flirtation

Word History and Origins

Origin of dalliance¹

First recorded in 1300–50, dalliance is from the Middle English word daliaunce. See dally, -ance

Example Sentences

Convicted of 34 felony counts for covering up an extramarital dalliance that could well have cost him the 2016 election.

From Los Angeles Times

He easily could be starring for top-ranked Texas after a springtime dalliance in which he was courted by the Longhorns during what he described as “a four-day vacation” in the transfer portal.

From Los Angeles Times

So if the Sun does back Sir Keir’s Labour, it will likely be a dalliance of mutual convenience rather than anything more visceral.

From BBC

All in all, quite a dalliance with the Boys of Summer.

From Los Angeles Times

However, James, known for his countless dalliances in court, already had a male lover, a Scottish man named Robert Carr.

From Salon

Related Words

• fling