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waltz

waltz

11 2.8
A piece of music in three beats for dancing
  • noun
  • /wɔlts/
: vals
  • The orchestra played a beautiful waltz as couples glided across the dance floor.
  • played a waltz
  • waltz music
  • slow waltz

The genius is not the pianist who can perform Chopin's minute waltz in a minute or less, but rather Chopin who created the minute waltz.

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Examples

  • The first scratchy note of a Strauss waltz blares from the camp speakers.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • The saxophones started playing "The Anniversary Waltz" and everyone applauded as the couple glided by them around the hall.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Let me sing you a waltz

  • The music, a spectral waltz, was absolutely integral to my experience.

    Academic text (2015)
  • As they crossed the bridge over Antelope Draw, "Waltz Across Texas" came on the radio.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • Like most of his other works, the waltz is a sparkling celebration of festivity.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • Joe from Solitude wanted Jimmy O to play "The Tennessee Waltz," but Jimmy O had his own agenda.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • A chamber ensemble plays "The Merry Widow" waltz, which floats through empty halls.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • Scarlett hummed a waltz tune and danced around the room, holding the telegram against her heart.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • A palm-court string orchestra playing a sentimental waltz tune reminiscent of the 1920s or earlier.

    Fiction book (1992)

How Danceable

ballet
19 3.7
waltz
11 2.8
tune
327 1.0
song
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

waltz singular
waltzes plural

Etymology

Waltz for a piece of music also comes from German Walzer, the music made for that turning dance, so a musical waltz has a strong first beat and a 'rolling' feel that matches the dance.