prima ballerina

noun

pri·​ma ballerina ˈprē-mə- How to pronounce prima ballerina (audio)
: the principal female dancer in a ballet company

Examples of prima ballerina in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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This not-so-regal realm, ruled by prima ballerina Victoria Jaiani as supreme leader, embarks on a tribunal when it’s uncovered that the Knave of Hearts — a two-eyed Jack danced by the princely Alberto Velazquez — is most likely the offender and about to lose his head. Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025 And just like watching a prima ballerina fly into a high-stakes pirouette and stick the landing, the effect is dazzling. Liam Hess, Vogue, 2 May 2025 There’s an unhinged prima ballerina, the fully dedicated company directors, and overly involved underwriter whose fortune, obtained through questionable means, keeps the whole spectacle running. Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 29 Apr. 2025 The Academy Award-winning film also starred prima ballerina Leslie Brown, a dancer with the American Ballet Theater, and choreographer Mikhail Baryshnikov. Nadja Sayej, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prima ballerina

Word History

Etymology

Italian, leading ballerina

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prima ballerina was in 1864

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Cite this Entry

“Prima ballerina.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prima%20ballerina. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

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