1. A lively French dance in duple meter, popular in the 17th and 18th centuries, often performed as part of a suite.
Usage: music, dance history; also spelled 'bourrée'
2. A piece of music composed for or in the style of this dance, typically in a moderate to quick tempo.
Usage: music

Examples

• The baroque suite included a bourree between the sarabande and the gigue.
• Bach composed several bourrées for solo instruments and ensembles.
• The dancers performed a lively bourree in period costume.
• The bourree's characteristic rhythm made it a favorite at court celebrations.
• Musicians often practice the bourree to develop rhythmic precision.