choreograph: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “choreograph” mean?
To design, plan, and arrange the sequence of movements, especially for a dance or ballet performance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To design, plan, and arrange the sequence of movements, especially for a dance or ballet performance.
To design, coordinate, and orchestrate any complex sequence of events or actions with precision and artistry, such as a ceremony, campaign, or elaborate process.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Spelling is identical. American English uses the verb more readily in metaphorical contexts (e.g., choreographing a merger).
Connotations
Connotes precision, planning, artistry, and sometimes manipulation. Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English in metaphorical/extended usage.
Grammar
How to Use “choreograph” in a Sentence
SVO (She choreographed a new piece.)SVOO (She choreographed them a new routine.)Passive (The scene was carefully choreographed.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “choreograph” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She was commissioned to choreograph a piece for the Royal Ballet.
- The entire protest was choreographed to avoid violence.
- He will choreograph the fight scene for the new Bond film.
American English
- She was hired to choreograph the Super Bowl halftime show.
- The campaign team carefully choreographed the candidate's public appearances.
- They choreographed the product launch like a Broadway musical.
adverb
British English
- The dancers moved choreographically across the stage. (Note: 'choreographically' is the adverbial form, not directly from 'choreograph').
American English
- The events unfolded choreographically, with perfect timing. (See note above.)
adjective
British English
- The choreographed sequence was executed flawlessly.
- It was a brilliantly choreographed piece of political theatre.
American English
- The choreographed routine went viral online.
- The meeting felt like a choreographed display of unity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
To carefully plan and manage a complex series of actions, e.g., 'They choreographed the merger announcement to minimise market disruption.'
Academic
Used in dance, theatre, and performance studies to analyse the creation and structure of movement.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; used when discussing dance, staged events, or highly planned situations.
Technical
Core term in dance, theatre, film (for fight scenes), and event planning.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “choreograph”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “choreograph”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “choreograph”
- Misspelling: 'choregraph', 'choreagroph'.
- Using as a noun (incorrect: 'The choreograph was beautiful.' Correct: 'The choreography...').
- Confusing with 'chronicle' or 'chorus'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its core meaning relates to dance, it is commonly used metaphorically to describe the careful planning of any complex sequence of actions, such as a political event, military operation, or corporate merger.
'Direct' has a broader scope, overseeing the entire creative vision of a film or play. 'Choreograph' is specifically about designing and arranging movement sequences, though a director might also choreograph scenes.
No, 'choreograph' is a verb. The noun form is 'choreography'. A person who choreographs is a 'choreographer'.
Not directly. The related adjective is 'choreographic' (pertaining to choreography). The past participle 'choreographed' functions as an adjective (e.g., 'a choreographed routine').
To design, plan, and arrange the sequence of movements, especially for a dance or ballet performance.
Choreograph is usually formal, technical in register.
Choreograph: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒr.i.ə.ɡrɑːf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːr.i.ə.ɡræf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “choreograph every move”
- “a choreographed response”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Chorus' (a group) + 'Graph' (to write) = to write/design for a group of dancers.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A PERFORMANCE / COMPLEX ACTIVITY IS A DANCE (e.g., 'The negotiations were choreographed down to the last detail').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'choreograph' correctly?