waltz

[ wawlts ]

noun

1. a ballroom dance, in moderately fast triple meter, in which the dancers revolve in perpetual circles, taking one step to each beat.
2. a piece of music for, or in the rhythm of, this dance.
3. Informal. an easy victory or accomplishment:

   The game was a waltz—we won by four touchdowns. The math exam was a waltz.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of the waltz, as music, rhythm, or dance:

   waltz tempo.

verb (used without object)

1. to dance or move in a waltz step or rhythm:

   an invitation to waltz.

2. Informal.
   1. to move breezily or casually:

      to waltz in late for dinner.

   2. to progress easily or successfully (often followed by through ):

      to waltz through an exam.

verb (used with object)

1. to lead (a partner) in dancing a waltz.
2. Informal. to move or lead briskly and easily:

   He waltzed us right into the governor's office.

3. to fill (a period of time) with waltzing (often followed by away, through, etc.):

   They waltzed the night away.

waltz

/ wɔːls /

noun

1. a ballroom dance in triple time in which couples spin around as they progress round the room
2. a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance

verb

1. to dance or lead (someone) in or as in a waltz

   he waltzed her off her feet

2. intr to move in a sprightly and self-assured manner
3. informal.
   intr to succeed easily

Derived Forms

• ˈwaltzˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• waltzer noun
• waltzlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of waltz¹

1775–85; back formation from German Walzer a waltz (taken as walz + -er ¹ ), derivative of walzen to roll, dance; compare obsolete English walt unsteady, dial. walter to roll

Word History and Origins

Origin of waltz¹

C18: from German Walzer, from Middle High German walzen to roll; compare welter

Example Sentences

Halfway through, he ran to the piano and tapped out a “somber and slow” waltz idea, and on top of it a dark, coiling melody — with “something off but also maybe something romantic in it.”

From Los Angeles Times

He worked closely with Frank Sinatra early in his career and reworked the crooner's classic Fly Me To The Moon, taking it from a waltz to a swing.

From BBC

The unknown waltz was unearthed in the vault of the Morgan Library and Museum in New York.

From BBC

The duo topped the judges' leaderboard after being awarded 31 points for their waltz to When I Need You by singer Leo Sayer.

From BBC

He was usually the first person on the dance floor, as capable of dancing a stately waltz as he was a rousing zapateada.

From Los Angeles Times