rigadoon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely rareHighly formal, historical, technical (music/dance)
Quick answer
What does “rigadoon” mean?
A lively, duple-time dance of the 17th and 18th centuries, characterized by jumping steps and elaborate leg movements.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A lively, duple-time dance of the 17th and 18th centuries, characterized by jumping steps and elaborate leg movements.
The music composed for the rigadoon dance. Can be used metaphorically to describe any quick, jumping, or intricate movement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Virtually no regional difference in usage or meaning.
Connotations
Connotes antiquity, specialisation, and European cultural history equally in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally obscure in both UK and US English. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British publications due to stronger traditions in historical dance societies.
Grammar
How to Use “rigadoon” in a Sentence
dance a rigadoona rigadoon by [Composer]the rigadoon is a danceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rigadoon” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not used as a verb.
American English
- Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not used as an adjective.
American English
- Not used as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in specialised historical musicology or dance history contexts.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Used in music (baroque repertoire) and historical dance reconstruction.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rigadoon”
- Spelling: 'rigadoun', 'riggedoon'. Usage: Using it as a modern verb (e.g., 'He rigadooned across the room').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare and specialised, primarily used in historical contexts related to music and dance.
It would sound highly archaic and obscure. It is not suitable for everyday communication unless the topic is specifically historical European dance.
It is of French origin ('rigaudon'), thought to be named after a dancing master, Rigaud.
Not directly. Its function was as a social and theatrical dance of its era. Modern dances with a similar lively, jumping character might include certain folk dances or parts of a jig.
A lively, duple-time dance of the 17th and 18th centuries, characterized by jumping steps and elaborate leg movements.
Rigadoon is usually highly formal, historical, technical (music/dance) in register.
Rigadoon: in British English it is pronounced /ˌrɪɡəˈduːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɪɡəˌduːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable for this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a RIGid soldier suddenly breaking into a lively DOONce (dance) – a 'rigadoon'.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPLEX ACTIVITY IS A FORMAL DANCE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you most likely to encounter the word 'rigadoon'?