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Definition of samba

samba

/ˈsæm.bə/
sam · ba
Plural:sambas
•
Past Simple:sambaed
•
Past Participle:sambaed
•
Present Participle:sambaing
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samba Lexical Profile

samba Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A lively, rhythmic dance of Afro-Brazilian origin in 2/4 time, or a Competitive ballroom dance adapted from it.

Example

"The dancers practiced the complex footwork of the samba in preparation for the carnival parade."

2

A genre of Brazilian popular music characterized by syncopated rhythms and percussion accompaniment, or a piece of music composed in this style.

Example

"The band played an upbeat samba that immediately drew everyone in the hall onto the dance floor."

• verb

1

To dance the samba.

Example

"Couples sambaed across the plaza late into the warm summer evening."

• Rhymes for samba

• Nearby Words

samara river
samaria
samaritan
samba
sambal
sambar
sambuca

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 19th century from Brazilian Portuguese samba, likely derived from Kimbundu semba, meaning a pelvic movement or invitation to dance among Angolan traditions.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Samba. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/samba
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