disco

¹

[dis-koh]

noun

plural

discos 

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)

discoed, discoing 

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

As dead as disco when it counted most.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

When the dust settles, a small, pink rectangular building with veranda posts appears at the venue’s west end, a disco ball hanging on its porch.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

I just was like, I want to make the telenovela and set it to disco music … something electronic, glamorous.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The event is akin to a silent disco for readers.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He went to a Catholic high school and supplied equipment for disco parties.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• dance hall 
• nightclub 
• nightspot