plié

American  

[plee-ey] / pliˈeɪ /

noun

Ballet.

plural

pliés

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

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plié British  

/ ˈpliːeɪ /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of plié

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

Example Sentences

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 • Jul. 8, 2022

In the poignant second movement, the dancers perform a plié in second position — a basic ballet position in which the knees bend outwardly — as their palms face forward.

From New York Times • Oct. 25, 2019

The 52-year-old teacher says her mission isn’t just to teach girls how to plié, but to prepare them for a future outside the boundaries of their poor neighborhood.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 15, 2019

The professional dance company invites amateurs to plié at its barre and balance across its studio floor.

From Washington Post • Nov. 8, 2017

In her mind she executed a grand plié.

From "Breadcrumbs" by Anne Ursu