do-si-do

[ doh-see-doh ]

noun

, plural do-si-dos.

1. a figure in square-dancing, in which two persons advance, pass around each other back to back, and return to their places.

verb (used with object)

, do-si-doed, do-si-do·ing.

1. to dance this figure around (one's partner).

verb (used without object)

, do-si-doed, do-si-do·ing.

1. to execute a do-si-do.

do-si-do

/ ˌdəʊsɪˈdəʊ /

noun

1. a square-dance figure in which dancers pass each other with right shoulders close or touching and circle back to back

sentence substitute

1. a call instructing dancers to perform such a figure

Word History and Origins

Origin of do-si-do¹

dos-à-dos

Word History and Origins

Origin of do-si-do¹

C20: from dos-à-dos

Example Sentences

Gravitational waves are created by any object that spins, such as the rotating remnants of stellar corpses, orbiting black holes or even two people “doing a do-si-do,” Dr. Mingarelli said.

From New York Times

I caught a solid set of mountain climbers and a quick do-si-do.

From New York Times

There’s more to gossip about on “Gossip Girl” without the rigid do-si-do of a gender binary.

From New York Times

Characters on “Evil” are in a constant do-si-do of advance and retreat, encroachment and rapprochement, crossing the line and then scuttling backward and swearing to never commit that sin again.

From New York Times

“Leave that lady and home you go. Opposite the gent with a do-si-do. Jump right up and never come down. Now swing that calico round and round.”

From Literature