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

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

After the speeches, there was a disco, partying and tequila shots.

From BBC

Related Words

• dance hall
• nightclub
• nightspot