bossa nova

noun bos·sa no·va \ˌbä-sə-ˈnō-və\

: a kind of music that is originally from Brazil

: a dance performed to bossa nova music

Full Definition of BOSSA NOVA

: popular music of Brazilian origin that is rhythmically related to the samba but with complex harmonies and improvised jazzlike passages

: a dance performed to bossa nova music

See bossa nova defined for English-language learners

Portuguese, literally, new trend

First Known Use: 1962

Next Word in the Dictionary: bossePrevious Word in the Dictionary: bossageAll Words Near: bossa nova

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