ballet
ballet Lexical Profile
ballet Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An artistic, highly stylized form of theatrical dance originating in the Italian Renaissance courts and codified in France and Russia, characterized by precise, graceful movements, turnouts of the legs, and often pointe work performed to orchestral music.
"She began studying classical ballet at the age of six to develop her posture, balance, and flexibility."
A specific dramatic or narrative theatrical work performed by dancers using this technique, or the musical score composed to accompany it.
"Tchaikovsky composed the music for several famous ballets, including Swan Lake and The Nutcracker."
A professional company or troupe of dancers that performs classical or contemporary theatrical dance.
"After graduating from the conservatory, he was invited to join the national ballet as a soloist."
Word Nuance & Usage
Because the word was borrowed directly from French, the final 't' is silent in English pronunciation (/bæˈleɪ/ or /ˈbæleɪ/), and should not be confused with the homophonous first syllable or spelling of 'ballot'.
• Rhymes for ballet
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-17th century from French 'ballet', from Italian 'balletto', a diminutive of 'ballo' (dance), ultimately deriving from Late Latin 'ballare' (to dance).