def

¹ American  

[def] / dɛf /

adverb

Informal.

1. definitely.

   Going to Europe this summer? But def!

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def ² American  

[def] / dɛf /

adjective

1. Slang. excellent.

   That hip-hop record is def!

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def. ³ American  

abbreviation

1. defective.

2. defendant.

3. defense.

4. deferred.

5. defined.

6. definite.

7. definition.

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def. ¹ British  

abbreviation

1. definition

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def ² British  

/ dɛf /

adjective

1. slang very good, esp of hip-hop

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Etymology

Origin of def¹

By shortening

Origin of def²

An Americanism dating back to 1980–85; of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Def Jam, the influential US record label, will launch a division in the "capital of Chinese hip-hop" Chengdu, its parent company Universal Music announced late Tuesday, in a vote of confidence for China's music scene.

From Barron's

"Launching Def Jam Recordings China reflects our long-term commitment to this market and our belief that Chinese hip-hop has a powerful role to play in the global evolution of the genre."

From Barron's

Def Jam has also worked with African and European artists through its regional divisions.

From Barron's

Def Jam will work with three acclaimed Chinese rappers -- Xie Di, Yitai Wang and Deng Dianguo "DDG" -- to help identify and mentor emerging artists.

From Barron's

One of its tracks, “Damascus,” features a lead vocal from Syrian singer Omar Souleyman alternating with rapping from Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def.

From The Wall Street Journal