prima ballerina

noun

pri·​ma ballerina ˈprē-mə- How to pronounce prima ballerina (audio)
: the principal female dancer in a ballet company

Examples of prima ballerina 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.
The prima ballerina became the company’s first Black principal dancer at 32 years old. Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025 Ahead of the gala, Winfrey posed for photos with prima ballerina Misty Copeland, who celebrated her final bow at the gala as a principal dancer with the company. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025 The model's dark hair was parted exactly in the center, then pulled up and back in a tight style reminiscent of the perfectly precise buns worn by prima ballerinas. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 1 Sep. 2025 Ten years ago, the prima ballerina became the company’s first Black principal dancer. Alyssa Davis, People.com, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for prima ballerina

Word History

Etymology

Italian, leading ballerina

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prima ballerina was in 1864

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Cite this Entry

“Prima ballerina.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prima%20ballerina. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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