Definition of "ballet" []

• A classical dance form characterized by grace and precision of movement and by elaborate formal gestures, steps, and poses. (noun)
• A theatrical presentation of group or solo dancing to a musical accompaniment, usually with costume and scenic effects, conveying a story or theme. (noun)
• A musical composition written or used for this dance form. (noun)
• A company or group that performs ballet. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "In O. Fr., according to Rousseau, _ballet_ signifies "to dance, to sing, to rejoice"; and thus it incorporates three distinct modern words, "ballet, ball and ballad.""
• "One can imagine a playhouse running on the basis of a big ballet, with a story, popular music, magnificent scenery, gorgeous costumes, huge _corps de ballet_, half-a-dozen principals and immense advertisement."
• "(And for most Chicagoans, Mr. Emanuel's training in ballet is unlikely to count.)"