a contemporary genre of Latin American popular music, in the style of a ballad, featuring guitars, percussion, and singing: On Thursdays, they have a band that plays nothing but bachata.
a song performed in the musical style of bachata: The lyrics to this bachata are from a traditional hymn.
a partnered dance of Dominican origin, performed to the music of bachata, traditionally danced in eight-count box steps with a sequence of three steps and a tap, with modern variations that include steps from other Latin ballroom dances:Part of the ballroom competition is a six-minute bachata.