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View synonyms for war dance

war dance

noun

  1. a dance preliminary to going into battle or in celebration of a victory, as formerly among American Indians.


war dance

noun

  1. a ceremonial dance performed before going to battle or after victory, esp by certain North American Indian peoples
  2. a dance representing warlike action
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of war dance1

An Americanism dating back to 1705–15
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Example Sentences

In rugby union, regulations prevent opposing teams crossing the halfway line while New Zealand are performing the Maori war dance.

From BBC

Leading his masked foot soldiers in a strutting, chanting war dance through his Delmas 6 stronghold, they held their automatic weapons aloft.

From BBC

The All Blacks' pre-match ceremonial war dance is one of rugby's iconic sights.

From BBC

Movement director Jonathan Goddard is in more of a haka mood, he says, before briefly demonstrating the Maori war dance.

So too will the traditional pre-match war dances of Samoa and Tonga - breathtaking moments worth the entrance fee alone.

From BBC

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