DALLIANCE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does dalliance mean? 

• DALLIANCE (noun)
  The noun DALLIANCE has 2 senses:

1. the deliberate act of delaying and playing instead of working

2. playful behavior intended to arouse sexual interest

  Familiarity information: DALLIANCE used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• DALLIANCE (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

The deliberate act of delaying and playing instead of working

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

dalliance; dawdling; trifling

Hypernyms ("dalliance" is a kind of...):

delay; holdup (the act of delaying; inactivity resulting in something being put off until a later time)

Derivation:

dally (waste time)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Playful behavior intended to arouse sexual interest

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

coquetry; dalliance; flirt; flirtation; flirting; toying

Hypernyms ("dalliance" is a kind of...):

caper; frolic; gambol; play; romp (gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement)

Derivation:

dally (talk or behave amorously, without serious intentions)

dally (behave carelessly or indifferently)