bossa nova

[ˈbɔsə ˈnoʊvə (English) / ˈbɔsə ˈnɔvə (Portuguese)]

nounfemininepl: bossas novas

bossa nova

1. A style of Brazilian popular music that blends samba rhythms with jazz harmonies, characterized by a syncopated beat and sophisticated chord progressions

Bossa nova emerged in Rio de Janeiro in the late 1950s and became an international sensation.

A bossa nova surgiu no Rio de Janeiro no final dos anos 1950 e tornou-se uma sensação internacional.

2. The dance style that accompanies this music

She moved with the fluid grace of bossa nova.

Ela se movia com a graça fluida da bossa nova.

Synonyms

samba-jazz samba moderno

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

bossa nova

Standard term throughout Brazil, especially in Rio de Janeiro where it originated

Rio de Janeiro

bossa nova

The birthplace of the genre; deeply embedded in local culture

São Paulo

bossa nova

Popular but often associated with Rio's cultural identity

Portugal

bossa nova

Used as loanword; recognized as Brazilian cultural export

Related Idioms & Phrases

ritmo da bossa nova (the rhythm/vibe of bossa nova)

dançar bossa nova (to dance bossa nova)

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