DVD

American  

abbreviation

1. an optical disk that can store a very large amount of digital data, as text, music, or images.

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DVD British  

abbreviation

1. digital versatile or digital video disk: an optical disk used to store audio, video, or computer data, esp feature films for home viewing

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DVD Scientific  

/ dē′vē-dē′ /

1. A compact disk designed to store large amounts of data, especially high-resolution audio-visual material.

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DVD Cultural  

1. An abbreviation for d igital v ersatile d isc or d igital v ideo d isc. A DVD is a high-capacity disc storage system. It is often preferred to move videotapes for its superior sound and video quality.

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Etymology

Origin of DVD

1990–95; originally d(igital) v(ideo) d(isk) ; then d(igital) v(ersatile) d(isk) ; now an abbreviation only

Example Sentences

Netflix came out of nowhere in the mid-2000s to topple Blockbuster in the DVD rental market.

From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026

DaCosta tells me she was a "huge fan of horror films growing up" and recalls repeatedly watching 28 Days Later on DVD as a teenager.

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026

It was also a remarkable vote of confidence in Ayaz, who has in 16 years risen from the bowels of Disney’s DVD business to become one of the company’s most influential behind-the-scenes leaders.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 24, 2025

She spent hours as a teen watching and rewatching episodes on DVD.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2025

Then we microwaved popcorn and watched The Lion King on their new DVD player.

From "Red Kayak" by Priscilla Cummings