Spanish Conversation · Level 27
90 words
Spanish word
merengue
Pronunciation
IPA/meˈɾeŋge/
Meaning
- masculine nounmerengue
Example
¿Te gusta bailar merengue?
Do you like to dance merengue?
More examples
El pastel está cubierto de merengue.
The cake is covered with meringue.
Core concept
A small merengue band with accordion, tambora drum, and güira playing a brisk tune.
Common phrases
bailar merengue
dance merengue
música de merengue
merengue music
Similar words
salsa: Social Caribbean dance focused on turns, fast footwork, and punchy brass accents.
bachata: Slow Dominican couple dance with steady rhythm, close hold, and tender, small steps.
cumbia: Colombian-origin folk dance emphasizing rhythmic grooves, simple steps, and strong drums.
tango: Intense Argentine partner dance in close hold highlighting precise footwork and mood.
Definition in Spanish
Género musical y baile originario de la República Dominicana; en algunos contextos, la misma palabra también se usa para el merengue como dulce.
Word origin
The term identifies the Dominican musical style and its dance formed in the 19th century, and the confectionery sense is an independent loan from French meringue.
Usage tips
- Speakers use 'el merengue' for the genre and 'un merengue' for a specific song or dance tune, and add 'merengue dominicano' to specify the national style.
Other meanings
- meringuenoun
Related words
- merengueromerengue singernoun
- merenguerafemale merengue singernoun