ballerina

[ bal-uh-ree-nuh ]

noun

1. a principal female dancer in a ballet company. Compare prima ballerina.
2. any female ballet dancer.
3. a woman's very low-heeled or heelless shoe or slipper, made to resemble a ballet slipper.

ballerina

/ ˌbæləˈriːnə /

noun

1. a female ballet dancer
2. the principal female dancer of a ballet company

ballerina

1. In ballet , a female dancer. ( See prima ballerina .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of ballerina¹

1785–95; < Italian, feminine of ballerino professional dancer, probably equivalent to baller ( ia ) dance ( ball ( are ) to dance (< Late Latin; ball ² ) + -eria < Old French; -ery ) + -ino -ine ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of ballerina¹

C18: from Italian, feminine of ballerino dancing master, from ballare to dance, from Late Latin ballāre : see ball ²

Example Sentences

Garr fancied herself a prima ballerina, obsessively pursuing that goal after her father died.

From Los Angeles Times

“Here we are, two Jewish ballerinas,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

“That’s very cool,” Winter said, adding that the bird seemed graceful as a ballerina, “the most aloof, elegant, svelte creature ever.”

From Los Angeles Times

You’ve probably seen its Buckle Ballerina flat everywhere, and this fall it’s launching a new silhouette that blends the delicate, feminine charm of a ballerina shoe with Ganni’s signature eyelet hardware.

From Los Angeles Times

At Westside Ballet’s adult showcase in August, I witnessed the sense of dignity these adult ballerinas carried with them.

From Los Angeles Times