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DictionarypolonaisePolish dance
noun

polonaise

pah-luh-NAYZ/ˌpɑːləˈneɪz/

A stately Polish dance in triple time.

The dancers move in stately pairs as the polonaise begins.

Polish dancers in elegant traditional attire processing in pairs with stately measured steps.
Etymology
polonaiseFrenchPolish

The French adjective meaning “Polish” appeared in the phrase “Polish dance.” The adjective itself became the name of the stately dance, preserving that national association.

More examples

  • We learn the measured steps of the polonaise.
  • A traditional polonaise opens the formal celebration.
  • The pianist plays a polonaise by Chopin.

Forms

polonaise · polonaises

Similar words

mazurka
A livelier Polish dance with distinctive accents in triple time.
waltz
A triple-time dance in which couples turn around the floor.