rumba Hear it!

rumba Definition

rumba (ro̵ombə, rum-; Spro̵̅o̅m)

noun

  1. a dance of Cuban origin and complex rhythm
  2. a modern ballroom adaptation of this, with strong rhythmic movements of the lower part of the body
  3. music for, or in the rhythm of, this dance

Etymology: AmSp, prob. of Afr orig.

intransitive verb

to dance the rumba

rumba Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • dance: You mean the gentleman I was dancing the rumba with just now?
  • introduce: In fact he has been described as the man who introduced the rumba to Europe.
  • do: Two-Faced Woman ( 1941 ), in which a newly happy Garbo does the rumba and goes swimming, was a disaster.
  • play: Rumba Catalan is a variation of a particular form of flamenco rumba played by gypsies in Barcelona.

Adjective modifier

  • Cuban: Many of these influences, such as Cuban rumba and Latin music, had themselves originally been based on African music.

Modifies a noun

  • rhythm: Rumba rhythm group Secular music and dance performed at informal gatherings.
  • group: Rumba rhythm group Secular music and dance performed at informal gatherings.
  • clave: Common keys are the son clave, rumba clave, samba clave and cua; all descended from the African key.

Browse dictionary entries near rumba

  1. Rumania
  2. rumaki
  3. rum
  4. ruling
  5. rules of engagement
  6. ruler
  7. ruled surface
  8. ruled
  9. rule out
  10. rule of thumb
  1. rumble
  2. rumble seat
  3. rumble strip
  4. rumbustious
  5. Rumelia
  6. rumen
  7. Rumford
  8. ruminant
  9. ruminate
  10. rummage