terpsichorean

American  

[turp-si-kuh-ree-uhn, turp-si-kawr-ee-uhn, -kohr-] / ˌtɜrp sɪ kəˈri ən, ˌtɜrp sɪˈkɔr i ən, -ˈkoʊr- /

adjective

1. pertaining to dancing.

2. Terpsichorean, of or relating to Terpsichore.

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noun

1. a dancer.

Terpsichorean British  

/ -ˈkɔːrɪən, ˌtɜːpsɪkəˈrɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to dancing or the art of dancing

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noun

1. a dancer

Etymology

Origin of terpsichorean

First recorded in 1825–30; Terpsichore + -an

Explanation

If you want to describe your school dance with an impressive adjective, you can call it a terpsichorean party. Terpsichorean describes something that has to do with dancing. You might tell your friend that you're planning something terpsichorean for the big camp talent show. He may have no idea what you mean, but you'll know you're planning to dance. The word terpsichorean comes from Terpsikhore, one of Greek mythology's nine muses. Terpsikhore literally means "enjoyment of dance," and she was the muse known for ruling over dance while playing her lyre.

Example Sentences

“The terpsichorean abilities of the ballet equaled the wonderful voices of the chorus. The ballet pictures and dances … were enhanced by the dancers wearing their colorful national costumes.”

From Washington Post • Mar. 2, 2022

And, striking a terpsichorean pose before a wall of mirrors — why, it’s Donna McKechnie, who won a Tony in 1976 for “A Chorus Line.”

From New York Times • Jun. 14, 2018

And if terpsichorean pyrotechnics were at a minimum, there were some orchestrated manoeuvres in the dark, including occasional random jogs around the stage.

From The Guardian • Apr. 24, 2016

We owe profuse thanks to our terpsichorean tutor, Ms. Esther Frances of the Arthur Murray Dance Center on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.

From Slate • Oct. 8, 2014

It would therefore seem to him strange that I should not have had much chance of perfecting my knowledge of the terpsichorean art.

From The Kidnapped President by Boothby, Guy Newell