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
Similar to mesh ballet flats, another trending warm-weather shoe that plays with sheer materials, jelly sandals offer all-important airflow.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 15 July 2025
The curved footbed offers more cushioning and support than your traditional ballet flats, making this a versatile shoe to pack for any trip.
—Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2025
That was the case with ‘New Order,’ ‘After Lucia,’ even with ‘Dreams’ [about a romance between a socialite and a Mexican ballet dancer].
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 10 July 2025
Choreographer Bill Burns has staged many exceptional dance scenes, particularly a tribute to the famed Russian ballet master Marius Petipa, and a comic 1920s-style dance number for Lily and Vlad.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ballet
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Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 15 July 2025
The curved footbed offers more cushioning and support than your traditional ballet flats, making this a versatile shoe to pack for any trip.
—Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2025
That was the case with ‘New Order,’ ‘After Lucia,’ even with ‘Dreams’ [about a romance between a socialite and a Mexican ballet dancer].
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 10 July 2025
Choreographer Bill Burns has staged many exceptional dance scenes, particularly a tribute to the famed Russian ballet master Marius Petipa, and a comic 1920s-style dance number for Lily and Vlad.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ballet
Cite this Entry
“Ballet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ballet. Accessed 23 Jul. 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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