plié

[ plee-ey ]

noun

, Ballet.

, plural pli·és [plee-, eyz, plee-, ey].

1. a movement in which the knees are bent while the back is held straight.

plié

/ ˈpliːeɪ /

noun

1. a classic ballet practice posture with back erect and knees bent

Word History and Origins

Origin of plié¹

1890–95; < French, noun use of past participle of plier to bend; ply ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of plié¹

French: bent, from plier to bend

Example Sentences

"You're supposed to do a plié."

From Literature

When the lyrics announce, “Get out the way,” Boss, in a deep plié, sweeps an arm in front of his body, grabs Wong’s hand and sweeps him to the floor.

From New York Times

“Contact Fours” feels like summer: Crim, sinking in a juicy plié, holds his long arms to either side and winds them in tight circles like a surfer without a wave.

From New York Times

Quanbeck: “Sweet Dreams” is hard because you’ve already done so much of the number by that point, and then you’re in a low, deep plié for that whole sequence.

From Los Angeles Times

We’re not up on relevé, we’re not straight legged; we’re plié, pelvis low, using our glutes and quads to get that strength from the floor and exude power together.

From Los Angeles Times