noun
ballerina
bal-uh-REE-nuh/ˌbæləˈriːnə/
A female ballet dancer.
The ballerina holds an arabesque in her tutu and pointe shoes.
Etymology
Italian ballerina literally meant “dancing girl,” naming the performer by her activity. English specialized this general description to a female ballet dancer.
In context
dress up as a princess, or a tiger, or a little ballerina.
More examples
- Several ballerinas rehearsed together.
- The ballerina bowed to the audience.
- She dreamed of becoming a ballerina.
Forms
ballerina · ballerinas
Similar words
- dancer
- Does not specify ballet or gender.
- ballerino
- Names a male ballet dancer.