ballet English · revision 10792

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=borrowing|attested=1634|origins=fr ballet|origins=it balletto}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: UK /ˈbæl.eɪ/, US /bælˈeɪ/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[bor|fr|ballet]],^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(Hoad 1986) from Italian [[m|it|balletto]], diminutive of ballo, a dance,^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(Hoad 1986) from [[la-lat|ballāre|t=to dance]] (see [[ball]], a dance).^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(NODE 1998)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ A theatrical performance of dancing and pantomime telling a story: 1667 in Barnhart and the OED, the 1660s in Etymonline;^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline) Merriam-Webster gives 1634.^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ Merriam-Webster also records an earlier ballet (about 1556), an alteration of [[ballad]].^(MWU 2024) A dance in general is an obsolete sense of 1782.^(OED 1989) French phrases such as ''ballet blanc'', a ballet in white costumes, are used from 1797,^(OED 1989) and compounds such as ''ballet dancer'' from 1796.^(OED 1989) ''Balletic'' is from 1930.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1634 – ballet.^(MWU 2024)

+ * 1667 – a theatrical ballet.^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989)

+ * 1796 – ballet-dancer.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1930 – balletic.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # A classical style of [[dance]] with precise steps and graceful movements, often performed on point.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # A theatrical work in which a story is told through dance and music.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # A company that performs ballets.^(AHD)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[balletic]]

+ * [[balletically]]

+ * [[balletomane]]

+ * [[ballet mistress]]

+ * [[water ballet]]

+ * [[ballet master]]

+ * [[ballet slipper]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[ball]]

+ * [[ballerina]]

+ * [[ballad]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}