ballroom

American  

[bawl-room, -room] / ˈbɔlˌrum, -ˌrʊm /

noun

1. a large room, as in a hotel or resort, with a polished floor for dancing.

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ballroom British  

/ -ˌrʊm, ˈbɔːlˌruːm /

noun

1. a large hall for dancing

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Etymology

Origin of ballroom

First recorded in 1730–40; ball ² + room

Explanation

A ballroom is a room that has enough space for many people to dance. Traditionally, a ballroom has either a hardwood or marble floor. Most private houses are built without ballrooms these days, but it was once common for a grand home or mansion to include a special room for throwing dance parties. These ballrooms were large, with high ceilings, and could accommodate a live band and many dancers. Ballroom dancing was originally a formal, social dance form that only happened in ballrooms. The word comes from ball, or party, with the Latin root ballare, "to dance."

Example Sentences

The East Wing of the White House, which was constructed in 1902, was demolished in October to make way for the multi-million dollar ballroom.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

If the White House is at its core a residence, a ballroom extends an invitation to a larger public—which includes many who will never step inside.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

It was past 2 a.m. by the time most of the players and their families joined the party in a hotel ballroom to share food, drink, and joy.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

For the ballroom to suffer a setback in federal court, then, is for the whole world to be in sudden danger.

From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026

Harriet’s manner of speaking of the circumstance before they quitted the ballroom, she had strong hopes.

From "Emma" by Jane Austen

Related Words

• amphitheater
• arena
• auditorium
• chamber
• church
• gallery
• gym
• gymnasium
• lounge
• theater