folk dance

noun

1. a dance that originated among, and has been transmitted through, the common people. Compare court dance.
2. a piece of music for such a dance.

folk dance

noun

1. any of various traditional rustic dances often originating from festivals or rituals
2. a piece of music composed for such a dance

verb

1. to perform a folk dance

Derived Forms

• folk dancing, noun

Other Words From

• folk dancer noun
• folk dancing noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of folk dance¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

That impulse led to Akin’s second feature, 2019 “And Then We Danced,” a much-lauded gay romance set in the world of traditional Georgian folk dance.

From Los Angeles Times

The dynamic Mohammed Smahneh, for one, moves fluidly between styles, his dancing a through line that links dabke, a traditional Palestinian folk dance, and breaking.

From New York Times

The art form of dabke, which means “stamping of the feet” in Arabic, is a popular folk dance with roots in Lebanon, Jordan and Syria.

From Seattle Times

Saturday, there will be nonstop excitement on the main stage, including classical and folk dances, as well as performances by a live violin ensemble, drummers and martial artists.

From Seattle Times

There are large group numbers that suggest the groundedness and rhythms of folk dance, but the steps are not drawn from the Mexican folk tradition.

From New York Times