samba

samba — noun

IPA/ˈsæmbə/
KK[sˈɑmbə]IPA/ˈsæmbə/
  • sambasingular
  • sambasplural

1. A fast, rhythmic dance that began in Brazil, often performed at festivals such a

1.nounB1
Definition

A fast, rhythmic dance that began in Brazil, often performed at festivals such as Carnival, together with the style of music that accompanies this dance.

Example

The dancers rehearsed their samba routine every evening for the Rio Carnival parade.

collocation: samba routine / Carnival parade

A cheerful samba played from the radio while Gita cleaned her apartment.

Common collocations
  • samba routine
  • samba music
  • samba rhythm
  • samba beat
  • samba steps
  • samba competition
  • samba dancer
  • samba school
  • samba parade
Synonyms
  • bossa nova

    A related Brazilian dance style that is slower and smoother than samba, with a different rhythmic pattern

  • carnival dance

    A broader term for any dance performed at Carnival celebrations, of which samba is the most famous example

Grammar Patterns

a/the + samba (countable)

samba + music/rhythm/beat (uncountable modifier)

Usage Note

Unlike 'tango' or 'waltz', 'samba' can refer to both the dance and the music style. When used as an uncountable noun ('samba music', 'the rhythm of samba'), it describes the genre rather than a specific performance.

samba — verb

IPA/ˈsæm.bə/
KK[sˈɑmbə]IPA/ˈsæm.bə/

Word family

  • sambista
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Samba, bossa nova, and salsa are all lively Latin American dance styles, but they differ in origin, rhythm, and tempo. Samba comes from Brazil and features a fast 2/4 beat with bouncing, spring-like movements, closely tied to Carnival. Bossa nova also originated in Brazil but is slower, smoother, and more intimate, with a soft guitar-based sound — it is more often listened to than danced. Salsa is from Cuba and Puerto Rico, with a sharper 4/4 rhythm and complex turn patterns for partners. A learner who enjoys the fast energy of Carnival parades would pick samba; someone looking for a relaxed, romantic style would choose bossa nova; and those wanting partner dancing with spins and hip movement would learn salsa.

samba ↗bossa novasalsa ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • dance the samba
  • play a samba
  • learn the samba
  • the rhythm of the samba
  • samba school

Prepositions

Etymology

KikongoPortugueseEnglish

The word 'samba' entered English from Brazilian Portuguese, which borrowed it from a Kikongo (Bantu language) word 'samba' meaning 'to dance' or referring to a ceremonial dance. It became known internationally in the early 20th century as Brazilian culture gained global attention, especially through Carnival and the recording industry.