waltz
waltz
UK[wɔːls]US[wɔːls]
n
a dance in triple time performed by a couple who turn rhythmically as they move around the floor.
n
a piece of music composed for or in the style of this dance.
v
dance a waltz.
v
move or act in a casual, confident, or inconsiderate manner.
Etymology
the word "waltz" entered english in the late 18th century from the german "walzer," itself derived from the verb "walzen," meaning "to roll, revolve, or turn." this germanic root is connected to the idea of turning, which perfectly describes the defining rotational movement of the dance. the dance and its music originated in german-speaking alpine regions before gaining immense popularity across europe in the 19th century. as a loanword, its form was adopted whole into english without analysis into constituent morphemes, retaining its direct association with the elegant, turning couple's dance.
Analysis
this word is a loanword adopted as a simplex unit from german.
Examples
they opened the ball with a classic viennese waltz.
strauss's "the blue danube" is perhaps the most famous waltz ever written.
you can't just waltz into the meeting without an invitation.