noun

merengue

muh-RENG-gay/məˈreŋɡeɪ/

An energetic Caribbean dance for partners.

The couple dances the merengue with lively steps and relaxed smiles.

A Dominican merengue couple dances in a close ballroom-style hold beside a small live ensemble playing accordion, güira and tambora.

Etymology

merengueFrenchegg-white and sugar confection

The dance name is linked to the confection meringue, perhaps through the idea of a “mixture.” That explanation for the connection is tentative.

In context

Kennedy Center Education Digital Learning0:15

we're going to learn how to dance the merengue. Merengue comes from the Caribbean, a small island called Dominican Republic. The beat of the merengue comes from two particular instruments, the tambora and the guira.

Five(ish) Minute Dance Lesson: Merengue, Level 1

More examples

Our instructor teaches us the basic steps of the merengue.
They dance two merengues before taking a break.
The band plays merengue while couples fill the dance floor.

Forms

merengue · merengues

Similar words

salsa: Uses more varied turns and syncopated footwork than merengue.
mambo: Features sharper rhythmic accents and more pronounced forward-and-back steps.