dancer English · revision 10677

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=c. 1440|origins=en dance}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: UK /ˈdɑːn.sə/, US /ˈdæn.sɚ/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is an agent noun from the verb [[dance]] and [[-er]].^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ One who dances, especially a professional performer: about 1440 in the OED, the mid-15th century in Etymonline;^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline) as a surname from the early 12th century (Godwinus Dancere).^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ A dancing master was a dancer about 1600, now obsolete.^(OED 1989) The Dancers were a sect of religious enthusiasts who arose in 1374, chiefly in Flanders, and danced in frenzy.^(OED 1989) In slang, ''dancers'' were stairs (1671),^(OED 1989)^(MWU 2024) and ''merry dancers'' is a local name for the northern lights (about 1717).^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * early 12th century – Dancere (surname).^(Etymonline)

+ * c. 1440 – one who dances.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1671 – dancers, stairs (slang).^(OED 1989)

+ * c. 1717 – merry dancers, the aurora.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # A person who [[dance|alt=dances]], especially one who dances professionally in public.^(MWU 2024)^(LDOCE 2009)^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[dancerly]]

+ * [[nondancer]]

+ * [[ropedancer]]

+ * [[exotic dancer]]

+ * [[gandy dancer]]

+ * [[go-go dancer]]

+ * [[taxi dancer]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[dance]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}