ballerina
UK: ˌbæləˈriːnə | US: ˌbæləˈriːnə
n. a female ballet dancer, especially one who performs principal roles in a ballet company.
ballerina = ball<dance> + erina<feminine suffix>
- ball (from Italian "ballare," meaning "to dance")
- erina (Italian feminine suffix indicating a female performer)
Etymology Origin:
The word "ballerina" originates from Italian, where "ballare" (to dance) evolved into "ballerino" (male dancer) and later "ballerina" (female dancer). The suffix "-ina" is a common Italian feminine diminutive, emphasizing grace and artistry. The term was adopted into English in the late 18th century to specifically denote a leading female ballet dancer, reflecting the cultural prestige of Italian ballet.
The young ballerina performed a flawless pirouette.
She trained for years to become a principal ballerina at the Royal Ballet.
The documentary highlights the rigorous life of a professional ballerina.
Audiences cheered as the ballerina took her final bow.
Her dream was to dance as a ballerina in "Swan Lake."