Prance Meaning
/ˈpɹɑːns/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo spring forward on the hind legs.
verbTo strut about in a showy manner.
Sentence Examples
The horse liked to prance during shows.
Don't prance about. Sit down and pay attention.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The horse began to ____ happily around the field after being released from the stable.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The horse began to ____ excitedly as the crowd cheered during the dressage performance.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English prancen, prauncen (“to prance”, literally “to show off”), variant of Middle English pranken (“to prank”), thus probably from the same ultimate root as prank. Cognate with Bavarian prangezen, prangssen (“to put on airs”), Alemannic German pranzen (“to strut”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"“So, so beautiful. I'm gonna do one last roly-poly before we go. [snorting, squealing] At least I had one moment of joy in a life of drudgery. Where will the truffle hunt take us next?” “Nowhere. You're free, Jambone. I'm releasing you from nose jail.” “Really? I can stay here in this paradise and prance and frolic?” “Just stick to frolicking.” “[emotional] Thank you, Mr. Bender. You're the kindest person I've ever met.” “Really? [crying] That's horrible.”"
— 2025 September 15, David A. Goodman, “The Trouble with Truffles” (18:04 from the start), in Futurama, season 10, episode 9, spoken by Jambone (Maria Bamford):
"There seemed a little prance of triumph in his movement,"
— 1915, D. H. Lawrence, The Rainbow:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The horse began to ____ happily around the field after being released from the stable.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The horse began to ____ excitedly as the crowd cheered during the dressage performance.