merengue: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-medium (B2-C1), as a specific cultural term. Lower frequency for the dessert meaning outside Spanish-speaking or culinary contexts.Informal to neutral when referring to dance/music; formal in culinary contexts.
Quick answer
What does “merengue” mean?
A lively, rhythmic dance and music genre originating from the Dominican Republic, characterized by a fast-paced 2/4 beat.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A lively, rhythmic dance and music genre originating from the Dominican Republic, characterized by a fast-paced 2/4 beat.
1. The music played for this dance, featuring prominent use of tambora, güira, and accordion/piano. 2. In cooking, a type of light, sweet dessert made from whipped egg whites and sugar (meringue).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Both varieties use the Spanish loanword. The dessert is more commonly spelled 'meringue' in both.
Connotations
In both: evokes Latin American culture, celebration, rhythm. In the UK, may have stronger associations with specific diaspora communities or world music scenes.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to larger Dominican/Caribbean diaspora and cultural proximity.
Grammar
How to Use “merengue” in a Sentence
[Subject] danced/played a merengueThe band [verb] a merengue[Subject] is/are into merengueVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “merengue” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They spent the night merenguing at the club.
- Can you merengue?
American English
- We merengued until dawn.
- She loves to merengue.
adjective
British English
- The merengue rhythm is infectious.
- A merengue classic came on.
American English
- He has a merengue band.
- The merengue scene in New York is vibrant.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in tourism or music industry contexts (e.g., 'merengue festival sponsorship').
Academic
Used in ethnomusicology, cultural studies, anthropology papers.
Everyday
Used when discussing music, dance, parties, or cultural events.
Technical
In musicology: specific rhythm patterns, instrumentation. In culinary: specific preparation techniques for meringue.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “merengue”
- Misspelling as 'merangue' or 'meringe'. Confusing with the dessert 'meringue'. Using wrong article ('a merengue' vs. 'merengue music').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. They are homophones. 'Merengue' refers to a dance/music. 'Meringue' is a dessert made from egg whites and sugar.
Yes, informally, meaning 'to dance the merengue' (e.g., 'We merengued all night').
The tambora (a two-headed drum), the güira (a metal scraper), and the accordion (later replaced/supplemented by piano or saxophone).
Yes, it's a major Latin music genre, popular across Latin America, the Caribbean, and in diaspora communities worldwide, especially in the US.
A lively, rhythmic dance and music genre originating from the Dominican Republic, characterized by a fast-paced 2/4 beat.
Merengue is usually informal to neutral when referring to dance/music; formal in culinary contexts. in register.
Merengue: in British English it is pronounced /məˈreŋɡeɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈrɛŋɡeɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As lively as a merengue beat”
- “Get the party started with a merengue.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MERENGUE = MERRY + TONGUE. Think of a 'merry tongue' singing and dancing to a fast Caribbean beat.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE DANCE IS ENERGY / THE MUSIC IS A HEARTBEAT.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary cultural origin of merengue?