capoeira: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

It is primarily a martial art disguised as a dance. Its origins are in combat and self-defence, but its rhythmic, fluid movements and musical accompaniment give it a performative, dance-like quality.

The ginga is the fundamental swinging, back-and-forth movement that is the base of all other moves in capoeira. It is the basic stance and step from which attacks, defences, and transitions flow.

Historically, yes, it was developed as a form of resistance and combat. Modern capoeira is often practiced more as a cultural art and sport, but its techniques, especially its emphasis on evasion, low stances, and sweeps, contain practical self-defence applications.

The two main contemporary styles are Capoeira Angola, which is slower, lower to the ground, and emphasises tradition and cunning, and Capoeira Regional, which is faster, more acrobatic, and martial-oriented. Many groups now practice a contemporary blend.

A Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music.

Capoeira is usually specialized / cultural in register.

Capoeira: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkæp.uˈeə.rə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑː.poʊˈeɪ.rə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.