First Known Use: 1913
Dictionary
1tango
noun tan·go \ˈtaŋ-(ˌ)gō\
: a Latin-American dance in which couples make long pauses in difficult positions; also : the music used for this dance
plural tangos
Full Definition of TANGO
1
: a ballroom dance of Latin-American origin in 2⁄4 time with a basic pattern of step-step-step-step-close and characterized by long pauses and stylized body positions; also : the music for this dance
2
: interaction marked by a lack of straightforwardness <the suspect's tango with police>
See tango defined for English-language learners
See tango defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of TANGO
American Spanish
2tango
intransitive verb
: to dance the tango
Full Definition of TANGO
: to dance the tango
First Known Use of TANGO
1913
Tango
Definition of TANGO
—a communications code word for the letter t
First Known Use of TANGO
1952
Learn More About TANGO
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up tango? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).