prance

[ prans, prahns ]

verb (used without object)

, pranced, pranc·ing.

1. to spring from the hind legs; to move by springing, as a horse.
2. to ride on a horse doing this.
3. to ride gaily, proudly, or insolently.
4. to move or go in an elated manner; cavort.

   Synonyms: frisk, frolic, romp, skip, leap, gambol

5. to dance or move in a lively or spirited manner; caper.

   Synonyms: frisk, frolic, romp, skip, leap, gambol

verb (used with object)

, pranced, pranc·ing.

1. to cause to prance.

noun

1. the act of prancing; a prancing movement.

prance

/ prɑːns /

verb

1. intr to swagger or strut
2. intr to caper, gambol, or dance about
3. intr
   1. (of a horse) to move with high lively springing steps
   2. to ride a horse that moves in this way
4. tr to cause to prance

noun

1. the act or an instance of prancing

Derived Forms

• ˈprancer, noun
• ˈprancingly, adverb

Other Words From

• prancer noun
• prancing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of prance¹

1325–75; Middle English prauncen, praunsen (v.); akin to Danish (dial.) pransk spirited, said of a horse

Word History and Origins

Origin of prance¹

C14 prauncen; perhaps related to German prangen to be in full splendour; compare Danish (dialect) pransk lively, spirited, used of a horse

Example Sentences

Jim Fletcher, kitted out like a mad scientist on a retro electronics kick, shadows the president as though he were prancing around in his twisted dreams, sometimes in the guise of an unusually tall rodent.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s where Man o’ War, Seabiscuit, Secretariat and many others pranced to the winner’s circle.

From Seattle Times

At times he’d be overcome by sudden ecstasy and prance about on high rocks, or skip along the limbs of trees, shouting meaningless syllables.

From Literature

Some people take this stuff way too seriously and kind of prance around the ring.

From Salon

Security cameras have picked up images of rats prancing on retainer walls, neighbors say.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gambol
• sashay
• strut
• swagger