bossa nova
noun
bos·sa no·va
ˌbä-sə-ˈnō-və 
1
: popular music of Brazilian origin that is rhythmically related to the samba but with complex harmonies and improvised jazzlike passages
2
: a dance performed to bossa nova music
Examples of bossa nova in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Tala, known for her seamless blend of R&B, bossa nova, and soul, has delivered an album that transcends genre constraints.
—
Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
My origins are in hip-hop, instrumental music, bossa nova, things like that.
—Katie Bain, Billboard, 7 Mar. 2025
And occasionally, a throwback to the 1950s bossa nova beat and 1960s Motown era.
—Sophia A. Nelson, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
The swings carry a hint of bossa nova’s sway; the two-steps have a distinct samba flavor; and the bold hip bounces channel Brazilian funk.
—María Magdalena Arréllaga, New York Times, 31 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for bossa nova
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Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
My origins are in hip-hop, instrumental music, bossa nova, things like that.
—Katie Bain, Billboard, 7 Mar. 2025
And occasionally, a throwback to the 1950s bossa nova beat and 1960s Motown era.
—Sophia A. Nelson, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
The swings carry a hint of bossa nova’s sway; the two-steps have a distinct samba flavor; and the bold hip bounces channel Brazilian funk.
—María Magdalena Arréllaga, New York Times, 31 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for bossa nova
Cite this Entry
“Bossa nova.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bossa%20nova. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.
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