samba
UK[ˈsæmbə]US[ˈsɑːmbə]
n
a lively, rhythmical dance of brazilian origin, performed to music with a strong syncopated beat.
n
the music for the samba dance, characterized by its distinctive rhythmic pattern.
Etymology
the word 'samba' entered english in the late 19th century from brazilian portuguese, where it referred to a type of afro-brazilian dance and music. its ultimate origin is likely from the kimbundu language of angola, where 'semba' denotes a type of ritual dance or the invitation to dance conveyed by a navel bump. the term was carried across the atlantic during the transatlantic slave trade, where african rhythms and dances syncretized with indigenous and european influences in brazil, eventually evolving into the modern, carnival-associated samba. its adoption into english reflects the global cultural dissemination of brazilian music and dance forms.
Analysis
this word is a loanword adopted as a single, unanalyzable unit in english.
Examples
the vibrant sound of the samba filled the streets during the rio carnival.
she learned the basic steps of the samba in her dance class.
the band played a fast-paced samba that got everyone on the dance floor.