verb / noun
prance
PRANS/præns/
Movement with exaggerated, lively, springing steps.
The young woman prances forward, lifting her knees and swinging her arms.
Etymology
Prance originally described spirited horses lifting their feet in a proud, capering walk. Its use for people carries that conspicuous, springing movement into human steps, though the word’s origin remains unknown.
In context
to prance around out there right on the property line each night
More examples
- The children prance around the kitchen after hearing the good news.
- He prances across the stage with his head held high.
- The pony's playful prance makes the children laugh.
Forms
prance · prances · pranced · prancing
Similar words
- caper
- Suggests playful leaps and skips rather than showy, high steps.
- skip
- Emphasizes alternating steps and hops rather than exaggerated, proud movement.