animal dance

noun

: a stylized dance (as among American Indians) imitating or suggestive of the movements of an animal or bird (as a bear or owl) often marked by the use of masks

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of animal dance was in 1879

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near animal dance

Cite this Entry

“Animal dance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/animal%20dance. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!