DictionaryroundelayCircular dance
noun

roundelay

A dance performed in a circle.

The dancers join hands and move together in a roundelay.

Etymology

The word belongs to the round dance and song family. The circular arrangement of the dancers supplies the central image.

More examples

  • We perform a roundelay around the maypole.
  • The roundelay ends when everyone steps toward the center.
  • The festival features roundelays and other traditional dances.

Forms

roundelay · roundelays

Similar words

circle dance
A plain, descriptive term rather than a literary name.
ring dance
Emphasizes the ring formed by dancers, often holding hands.