samba

noun

sam·​ba ˈsam-bə How to pronounce samba (audio) ˈsäm- How to pronounce samba (audio)
: a Brazilian dance of African origin with a basic pattern of step-close-step-close and characterized by a dip and spring upward at each beat of the music
also : the music for this dance
samba intransitive verb

Examples of samba in a Sentence

The band played a samba.
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.
As kick-off time nears, the samba beat quietens down and the players turn to prayer. — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 14 June 2026 Or the dancing and marching to the sounds of Brazil's samba or Scotland's bagpipes. — Juliana Kim, NPR, 1 July 2026 The singer was honored as the theme of the renowned samba school Imperatriz Leopoldinense parade. — Marcelo Cajueiro, Variety, 22 May 2026 The samba schools compete with one another, and the parades function as both a community showcase and a high-stakes cultural contest. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for samba

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of samba was in 1885

Rhymes for samba

See All Rhymes for samba

Browse Nearby Words

Sama Veda
samba
sambal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Samba.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/samba. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on samba

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about samba

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