valse

waltz

noun VAHLS Rare

Origin: German 'Walzer', from 'walzen' (to roll, glide)

Usage Note

Valse is the French word for the waltz, a 3/4-time ballroom dance popularised in Vienna in the early 19th century. The verb valser means both 'to waltz' and colloquially 'to be tossed about' or 'to be dismissed' (envoyer valser = to send flying/dismiss rudely). The famous La Valse by Ravel is a reference point in French musical culture.

Examples

"Ils dansèrent une belle valse ensemble."

Natural Translation

They danced a beautiful waltz together.

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