Pronunciation: [ɹˈʌmbəz] (IPA) 
The word "rhumbas" is a plural form of the noun "rhumba", which is a dance of Afro-Cuban origin popularized in the early 20th century. The IPA phonetic transcription for "rhumbas" is /ˈɹʌmbəz/, with stress on the first syllable. The spelling of "rhumbas" includes the use of the "h" after "r", which is a common feature in English words of Latin and Greek origin. The "s" at the end of the word denotes plurality.
Rhumbas, also spelled rumbas, are a type of Afro-Cuban dance and music style that originated in Cuba. The term "rhumba" refers to both the dance and the music associated with it. The rhumba is known for its vibrant rhythms and its sensual, flirtatious movements.
As a dance style, the rhumba is characterized by its hip movements and swaying body motion. It is usually performed in pairs, with the male and female dancers engaging in flirtatious interactions, often depicting a love story. The dance involves intricate footwork, sensual hip movement, and fluid body motion.
In terms of music, rhumbas are characterized by their infectious rhythms and lively melodies. They typically feature syncopated beats and rich percussions, often including instruments like the conga drum, bongos, and claves. The music is often accompanied by vocalists singing romantic lyrics.
Rhumbas gained popularity in the United States and Europe in the early 20th century and had a significant influence on Western popular music. Many jazz and big band musicians incorporated rhumba rhythms into their compositions, contributing to the fusion of Cuban and American music.
In modern times, rhumbas continue to be performed and enjoyed worldwide, both as a traditional dance style and as a musical genre.
The word "rhumbas" is derived from the Spanish word "rumba", which originally referred to a Cuban dance. The Spanish term "rumba" can be traced back to West African languages, particularly the Bakongo language, in which "lumba" means "party" or "festivity". The dance and music style known as "rumba" was later introduced to Europe, where it gained popularity and spread to other parts of the world. Over time, the plural form "rhumbas" emerged to refer to various types of dances and music influenced by the original Cuban rumba.
