contra dance

1 of 2

noun (1)

con·​tra dance ˈkän-trə-ˌdan(t)s How to pronounce contra dance (audio)
variants or contredanse
ˈkän-trə-ˌdan(t)s How to pronounce contra dance (audio)
also
kōⁿ-trə-ˈdäⁿs How to pronounce contra dance (audio)
1
: a folk dance in which couples face each other in two lines or a square
2
: a piece of music for a contra dance

contredanse

2 of 2

noun (2)

con·​tre·​danse ˈkän-trə-ˌdan(t)s How to pronounce contredanse (audio)
also
kōⁿ-trə-ˈdäⁿs How to pronounce contredanse (audio)

variant of contra dance

1
: a folk dance in which couples face each other in two lines or a square
2
: a piece of music for a contra dance

Examples of contra dance 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.
Noun
Even Google has had its employees do regular contra dances, Ladin says. — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2026 On Friday, a live band and dance caller will lead a free community square and contra dance at Southside Preservation Hall. — Marcheta Fornoff, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026 There may be a new name over the door, Strafford General Store, but the bulletin board outside still advertises contra dances, dog walking, house cleaning, food pantries, and a new women’s empowerment group. — Kendra Nordin Beato, Christian Science Monitor, 22 Nov. 2025 Erin Clark/Globe Staff People dance along with the band Kingfisher, a folk and contra dance group, during PorchFest in Somerville on Saturday. — Lauren Booker, BostonGlobe.com, 14 May 2023 Using big on-screen labels, Baker signals as these people enter and exit Lacy’s life — rivals for Janet’s attention — in a pattern that comes to resemble the regional contra dance depicted in the final scene. — Peter Debruge, Variety, 1 Sep. 2023 Because San Diego Folk Heritage believes in preserving and presenting all forms of entertainment in that genre, there will also be a family contra dance and storytelling, Cormier said. — Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026 Birmingham Friends of Old-Time Music and Dance (FOOTMAD) contra dance with Red Mountain Yellowhammers and caller Jef Hodge. — Mary Colurso | [email protected], al, 27 Dec. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

French contredanse, by folk etymology from English country-dance

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of contra dance was in 1803

Rhymes for contra dance

See All Rhymes for contra dance

Browse Nearby Words

contracyclical
contra dance
contradict
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Cite this Entry

“Contra dance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contra%20dance. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on contra dance

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about contra dance

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