noun / verb
samba
SAM-buh/ˈsæmbə/
A Brazilian dance characterized by syncopated rhythm.
The dancer performs a lively samba to the percussionists’ syncopated beat.
Etymology
Portuguese samba is a shortened form of zambacueca, another dance name. In English, the name identifies a Brazilian dance of African origin as well as its music.
In context
when I look at my own family, whenever we have a family gathering, somebody is going to start playing some music, either samba or fha, and they're going to start dancing together.
More examples
- We learn to samba in our weekly dance class.
- She sambas across the floor with quick, rhythmic steps.
- The band plays a samba, and couples begin to dance.
Forms
samba · sambas · sambaed · sambaing
Similar words
- dance
- Broader term for rhythmic movement, without samba's specific Brazilian identity.