Spanish word

milonga

Pronunciation

IPA/miˈloŋga/

Meaning

  • feminine nountango dance party

Example

Esta noche hay una milonga en el club.

Tonight there is a tango dance party at the club.

Illustration for milonga (tango dance party)

More examples

Muchas parejas salen a la milonga los fines de semana.

Many couples go to the milonga on weekends.

Core concept

Social tango dance with organized sets and couples taking turns.

Common phrases

  • bailar la milonga

    dance the milonga

  • salir a la milonga

    go to the milonga

Similar words

tango: Argentine music and partner dance marked by close embrace, expressive phrasing, and rhythmic steps.
baile: Social dance gathering where people dance together to music for recreation and mingling.
fiesta: Lively celebratory gathering with music, food, and socializing among friends and family.
salón: Indoor hall or large room used to host dances, events, and receptions.

Definition in Spanish

Reunión social en la que la gente se junta para escuchar música y bailar tango, normalmente con un espacio y un orden para que las parejas salgan a bailar.

Word origin

Milonga comes from Rioplatense Spanish and originally named a tango song or rhythmic style, later extending to mean the social gathering or venue where people dance tango.

Usage tips

  • Milongas follow an etiquette of tandas (song sets) separated by cortinas, and dancers commonly use the cabeceo (eye contact or nod) to invite partners instead of approaching directly.

Other meanings

  • dance tunenoun

Word lists with this word