What does glissade mean?
A glissade is a smooth sliding or gliding movement. In ballet, it describes a travelling step that carries a dancer from one position to another while preserving the appearance of effortless movement. In skiing and mountaineering, a glissade is a controlled descent across or down a snow-covered slope, usually made by turning the skis or sliding on foot. The verb means to perform or make such a movement. Although the word can suggest grace, speed, and controlled motion in any setting, it is most strongly associated with dance and snow sports. Its history reflects that meaning: it comes through French from a root associated with sliding or gliding. A glissade is therefore more specific than a general glide and more purposeful than an uncontrolled slip. It is a useful word for describing movement that combines momentum with control, whether performed on a stage, a ski slope, or a steep snowy mountainside.
A gliding or sliding movement, especially a travelling ballet step in which the dancer moves from one position to another. In skiing or mountaineering, it is a controlled slide down a snowy slope.
"Her glissade ended precisely beside the music stand."
Especially common in ballet, skiing, and mountaineering; in general contexts it can sound specialized.
To make a glissade; to glide or slide, especially downhill on skis or on a snowy surface.
"They glissaded down the final slope before the lift station."
The regular plural is used for individual ballet steps or sliding movements.
"The dancer repeated three glissades across the stage."
A ballet glissade carries a dancer across the floor in one smooth, traveling glide—the word itself comes from the French idea of sliding or gliding.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does glissade come from?
The English word comes from French glissade, formed from glisser, “to slip, slide, or glide.” The French verb ultimately derives from Latin glissare, related to the same sliding or gliding root found in the musical term glissando. English established the word for a ballet step and later for a controlled slide on snow or skis.
Related word forms
How glissade is actually used
The term is most common in ballet, skiing, and mountaineering. In ballet it has a technical meaning, while in skiing and mountaineering it usually describes a deliberate slide on a snowy slope. General use is less common and can sound literary or specialized.
Easily confused with glissade
A glissade is a gliding step or sliding movement, whereas a glissando is a continuous slide between musical notes.