1
a
: a theatrical art form using dancing, music, and scenery to convey a story, theme, or atmosphere
b
: dancing in which conventional poses and steps are combined with light flowing figures (such as leaps and turns)
2
: music for a ballet
3
: a group that performs ballets
4
: something likened to a ballet especially in complexity and precision of movement
Where else can you peek into the kitchen and see a quiet ballet of cooks, their entire attention focused on feeding a mere 65 people?—
Ruth Reichl
Ruth ReichlRather, it is people and the daily ballet of urban life that make a city.—Steven Earnest et al.
Steven Earnest et al.Examples of ballet in a Sentence
She does tap dancing and ballet.
We are going to a ballet tonight.
This is one of my favorite ballets.
Recent Examples on the Web
Inspirations drawn from ballet flats add a touch of grace and fluidity, perfectly complementing the relaxed yet refined looks of the season.
—Rhonda Richford, WWD, 27 Jan. 2025
Instead, choose a pair that hits right above the delicate ankle bone, accessorizing with a stylish pair of ballet flats or sneakers.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 24 Jan. 2025
In her own way, the aspiring ballet dancer reportedly resisted fascism and the Nazi occupation by giving performances to raise money to support the Dutch resistance.
—Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025
Dolly Beauty Getty Images Bows, ballet flats, and dolly beauty are the holy trinity for nailing the coquette-core trend.
—Loren Savini, Allure, 22 Jan. 2025
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Rhonda Richford, WWD, 27 Jan. 2025
Instead, choose a pair that hits right above the delicate ankle bone, accessorizing with a stylish pair of ballet flats or sneakers.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 24 Jan. 2025
In her own way, the aspiring ballet dancer reportedly resisted fascism and the Nazi occupation by giving performances to raise money to support the Dutch resistance.
—Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025
Dolly Beauty Getty Images Bows, ballet flats, and dolly beauty are the holy trinity for nailing the coquette-core trend.
—Loren Savini, Allure, 22 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for ballet
Dictionary Entries Near ballet
Cite this Entry
“Ballet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ballet. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ballet
noun
bal·let
ˈbal-ā 
ba-ˈlā
1
a
: an art form that uses dancing to tell a story or express a theme
b
: dancing in which poses and steps are combined with leaps and turns
2
: a group that performs ballets
Etymology
from French ballet "ballet," derived from Italian ballare "to dance," from Latin ballare "to dance" — related to ball entry 3
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