square dance

¹

noun

1. a dance by a set of four couples arranged in a square or in some set form.
2. hoedown ( def 1 ).

square-dance

²

[ skwair-dans, -dahns ]

verb (used without object)

, square-danced, square-danc·ing.

1. to perform or participate in a square dance.
2. to participate in a hoedown.

square dance

noun

1. any of various formation dances, such as a quadrille, in which the couples form squares

verb

1. intr to perform such a dance

Derived Forms

• ˈsquare-ˌdancer, noun

Other Words From

• square dancer noun
• square dancing noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of square dance¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Origin of square dance²

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

There were fewer evenings of ballroom dancing and more square dancing and picnics.

From Seattle Times

Mr. Oelze took up guitar in his teens and performed with local musicians at square dances.

From Washington Post

They were dancing guangchang wu, a public square dance popular among middle-aged and older patrons, when the carnage began.

From Washington Post

Young Ray taught himself to play ukulele and guitar at an early age and later provided music for square dances with his two older brothers, who played fiddle and guitar.

From New York Times

“Looks like you had a blerry square dance up here. You certainly live up to your name, Disaster. You’ve disabled half the farm crew.”

From Literature