a theatrical representation of a story that is performed to music by trained dancers
"The company presented an enchanting ballet where trained dancers acted out a fairy tale accompanied by a symphony orchestra."
music written for a ballet
"The composer wrote an original symphony to serve as the musical score for the new ballet."
A classical form of dance.
"She spent years training to perform a graceful ballet at the local theater."
In plain English: Ballet is a type of dance where performers move gracefully on their toes to music while wearing special shoes and costumes.
"She spent her childhood practicing ballet at the local studio every morning before school."
Usage: Use the noun to refer specifically to the classical art form or performance, while reserving the verb for actions that mimic its graceful movements. Avoid using it as a synonym for any type of structured exercise unless those exercises explicitly imitate ballet techniques.
To perform an action reminiscent of ballet dancing.
"She moved her arms gracefully through the air, performing a gesture that was clearly reminiscent of ballet dancing."
In plain English: To ballet means to dance gracefully using special footwork and movements that you learn from professional dancers.
"The dancer practiced ballet on her toes every morning before class."
The word entered English from the French ballet, which originally referred to a short dance. It traces back through the Italian balletto and the Latin verb ballō, meaning "to dance."