Ballet — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ba-ˈlā/ bal·let

Meaning & Definition of Ballet

Ballet (noun)

  1. a theatrical art form using dancing, music, and scenery to convey a story, theme, or atmosphere
  2. dancing in which conventional poses and steps are combined with light flowing figures (such as leaps and turns)
  3. music for a ballet

Word Forms of Ballet

Derived words: balletic (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Ballet

borrowed from French, "theatrical presentation telling a story by means of dance and mime," borrowed from Italian balletto (also "short, well-done dance, semblance of a dance done for amusement"), from ballo "dance" (noun derivative of ballare "to dance," going back to Late Latin ballāre) + -etto, diminutive suffix ball:3

First known use: 1608

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Ballet

Words & Phrases Containing Ballet

corps de ballet, water ballet

Frequently Asked Questions about Ballet

What does "Ballet" mean?

"Ballet" means a theatrical art form using dancing, music, and scenery to convey a story, theme, or atmosphere. As a noun, it is defined as: a theatrical art form using dancing, music, and scenery to convey a story, theme, or atmosphere. It has 3 distinct senses.

Is "Ballet" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Ballet" is a noun.

Is "Ballet" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Ballet" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Ballet"?

"Ballet" is pronounced /ba-ˈlā/ and divided into syllables as bal·let.

What is the origin of the word "Ballet"?

"Ballet" comes from borrowed from French, "theatrical presentation telling a story by means of dance and mime," borrowed from Italian balletto (also "short, well-done dance, semblance of a dance done for amusement"), from ballo "dance" (noun derivative of ballare "to dance," going back to Late Latin ballāre) + -etto, diminutive suffix ball:3. First known use: 1608.

What CEFR level is "Ballet"?

"Ballet" is a B2-level word in SophDict's CEFR vocabulary lists, which group English words from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient).

What topics is "Ballet" used in?

"Ballet" is commonly used in topics such as Sports & Entertainment.

What words are derived from "Ballet"?

Words derived from "Ballet" include balletic (adjective).