The word Waltz originally meant “to turn,” “to roll,” or “to revolve” in German, from the verb walzen. It was later used for the dance because of its turning motion.

Quick Scoop

  • German walzen = to roll, turn, or dance.
  • The noun Walzer became the name of the dance.
  • English waltz was borrowed from that German word.

In other words, the name points to the dance’s spinning movement rather than to music or romance.

TL;DR: In German, Waltz traces back to a word meaning “to turn” or “to roll.”