samba

[ sam-buh, sahm- ]

noun

, plural sam·bas.

1. a rhythmic, Brazilian ballroom dance of African origin.

verb (used without object)

, sam·baed, sam·ba·ing.

1. to dance the samba.

samba

/ ˈsæmbə /

noun

1. a lively modern ballroom dance from Brazil in bouncy duple time
2. a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance

verb

1. intr to perform such a dance

Word History and Origins

Origin of samba¹

First recorded in 1885; from Portuguese, of African origin, possibly Kongo semba, the name of a dance

Word History and Origins

Origin of samba¹

Portuguese, of African origin

Example Sentences

He said: "It was more like a salsa... This, for me, didn't go far enough into the world of samba."

From BBC

Then it adopted moves from break dancing, samba, capoeira, frevo — whatever was around.

From Seattle Times

His first goal was like he was doing samba footwork as he danced around three Forest defenders before smashing the most exquisite shot past Matz Sels.

From BBC

She still loves street-wear, and vintage, and is known to be a fan of sambas.

From BBC

The Viradouro samba school has won Rio de Janeiro's hotly contested Carnival parade competition with its tribute to black women.

From BBC

Related Words

• disco
• tango
• waltz