cha-cha

American  

[chah-chah] / ˈtʃɑˌtʃɑ /

Also cha-cha-cha

noun

plural

cha-chas

1. a fast ballroom dance of Latin American origin, similar to the mambo, that follows a rhythmic pattern based upon a quick three-step movement.

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verb (used without object)

cha-chaed, cha-chaing

1. to dance the cha-cha.

Etymology

Origin of cha-cha

First recorded in 1950–55; from Latin American Spanish (Cuban) cha-cha-cha, probably imitative of the musical accompaniment

Example Sentences

Judge Craig Revel Horwood praised their cha-cha to 100 Degrees by Kylie and Dannii Minogue, saying it was "absolutely fierce, serving realness, serving fab-u-lous".

From BBC • Dec. 25, 2024

"Maybe he can get some lessons and go over there. He can't even do the cha-cha; that's the point."

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2023

A sign outside the Star Ballroom Dance Studio, which shares a plaza with a Chinese herbal store and a Bank of America, advertises tango, waltz, cha-cha and salsa lessons.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2023

Some enter competitions, instructors say, but most are there simply to learn the rumba, cha-cha, tango, waltz, salsa or fox trot.

From New York Times • Jan. 23, 2023

The boy backed up, then took a step forward, a slow-motion cha-cha.

From "Far from the Tree" by Robin Benway