disco

¹

[ dis-koh ]

noun

, plural dis·cos.

1. discotheque.
2. a style of popular music for dancing, usually recorded and with complex electronic instrumentation, in which simple, repetitive lyrics are subordinated to a heavy, pulsating, rhythmic beat.
3. any of various forms of dance, often improvisational, performed to such music.

adjective

1. of or relating to a disco or disco music.
2. intended for a disco or its patrons.

verb (used without object)

, dis·coed, dis·co·ing.

1. to dance disco, especially at a discotheque.

disco-

²

1. a combining form representing disk or disc in compound words:

   discifloral.

2. a combining form meaning “phonograph record”, used in the formation of compound words:

   discography.

disco

/ ˈdɪskəʊ /

noun

1. 1. an occasion at which typically young people dance to amplified pop records, usually compered by a disc jockey and featuring special lighting effects
   2. ( as modifier )

      disco dancing

2. a nightclub or other public place where such dances take place
3. mobile equipment, usually accompanied by a disc jockey who operates it, for providing music for a disco
4. 1. a type of dance music designed to be played in discos, with a solid thump on each beat
   2. ( as modifier )

      a disco record

Word History and Origins

Origin of disco¹

An Americanism dating back to 1960–65; by shortening

Word History and Origins

Origin of disco¹

C20: shortened from discotheque

Example Sentences

Bryon, who served as the “Saturday Night Fever” band’s drummer starting in 1973 and through the height of its disco renaissance, died at 76.

From Los Angeles Times

That record was Off The Wall - a disco extravaganza that established Jackson as a solo star.

From BBC

During the silent disco students were given facts, tips and information about spiking in their headphones.

From BBC

On a Saturday night at North Hollywood’s Club Cobra, a drag queen dressed as Miley Cyrus lip-synced to “Zombie” by the Cranberries, with Halloween decor and disco balls dangling from the ceiling.

From Los Angeles Times

As a student, she would host others before college discos, blasting out Destiny's Child songs and dressing up in her room.

From BBC

Related Words

• dance hall
• nightclub
• nightspot