tarantella

noun

tar·​an·​tel·​la ˌter-ən-ˈte-lə How to pronounce tarantella (audio)
ˌta-rən-ˈte-lə
: a lively folk dance of southern Italy in ⁶/₈ time

Examples of tarantella in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One display relates the history of the tarantella, a traditional Italian dance that began as a form of musical exorcism to cure wolf spider bites; visitors can practice the steps on a small dance floor with the help of an instructional video. — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025 But there is plenty more, including a full docket of entertainment, including tarantella dancing and live music from such artists as classic Italian pop singer Vanessa Racci, accordionist Cory Pesaturo, and Bay Area bands Nina Lane, Sonamo and Il Sole. — Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 29 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Taranto, Italy

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tarantella was in 1782

Rhymes for tarantella

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Browse Nearby Words

tarantass
tarantella
tarantism
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Cite this Entry

“Tarantella.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tarantella. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tarantella

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