tarantella UK /tæɹənˈtɛlə/US /ˌtɛɹənˈtɛlə/ noun1 •A rapid dance in 6/8 time, originating in Italy, or a piece of music for such a dance.The set in which they found themselves was composed of English, and Amy was compelled to walk decorously through a cotillion, feeling all the while as if she could dance the tarantella with relish. — 1868 formstarantellas