flamenco: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1formal, cultural, artistic
Quick answer
What does “flamenco” mean?
A style of Spanish music and dance originating from Andalusia, characterized by passionate singing, guitar playing, rhythmic handclapping, and expressive movements.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A style of Spanish music and dance originating from Andalusia, characterized by passionate singing, guitar playing, rhythmic handclapping, and expressive movements.
The artistic tradition encompassing flamenco music, dance, and culture; can refer to the associated lifestyle, artistic community, or specific artistic elements (e.g., flamenco guitar).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical in both varieties. Both use 'flamenco' as a noun. No significant spelling, grammatical, or meaning differences.
Connotations
Connotations are the same: evokes Spanish/Andalusian culture, passion, artistry, tradition. Possibly stronger associations with tourism in British English.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties. Slightly more common in British English due to geographical proximity to Spain and associated tourism.
Grammar
How to Use “flamenco” in a Sentence
[perform/play/dance] flamencoflamenco [music/dance/show]a [performance/show/evening] of flamencoVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flamenco” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She attended a flamenco guitar workshop in London.
- The flamenco festival was held in a historic theatre.
American English
- He bought a flamenco guitar while visiting New York.
- The restaurant featured flamenco music on weekends.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in tourism, entertainment, and cultural event marketing (e.g., 'We offer flamenco shows for corporate events.').
Academic
Used in ethnomusicology, cultural studies, performing arts, and Spanish studies.
Everyday
Used when discussing travel to Spain, music tastes, dance classes, or cultural events.
Technical
Used in musicology to describe specific palos (styles), compás (rhythm), or techniques in dance and guitar.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flamenco”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flamenco”
- Using 'flamenco' as an adjective without a noun (e.g., 'She is flamenco' vs. 'She is a flamenco dancer').
- Confusing it with 'flamingo' (the bird).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, flamenco is a comprehensive art form that includes singing (cante), guitar playing (toque), dance (baile), and rhythmic handclapping (palmas).
No, 'flamenco' is not used as a verb in standard English. You would say 'dance flamenco', 'perform flamenco', or 'play flamenco guitar'.
The etymology is debated. It entered English from Spanish. Leading theories connect it to Spanish 'flamenco' (meaning 'Flemish' or 'flame-coloured'), or possibly from Andalusian Arabic roots.
Yes, there are many traditional styles called 'palos', such as soleá, bulería, alegrías, and seguiriyas, each with distinct rhythms, moods, and structures.
A style of Spanish music and dance originating from Andalusia, characterized by passionate singing, guitar playing, rhythmic handclapping, and expressive movements.
Flamenco is usually formal, cultural, artistic in register.
Flamenco: in British English it is pronounced /fləˈmeŋkəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /fləˈmeŋkoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “flamenco passion (not a standard idiom, but a common collocation evoking intense emotion)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Flamenco sounds like 'flame' – think of the passionate, fiery movements of the dancers.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARTISTIC EXPRESSION IS FIRE (e.g., 'fiery flamenco', 'burning passion of flamenco').
Practice
Quiz
Flamenco is most closely associated with which region of Spain?