duet

[doo-et, dyoo-]

noun

1. a musical composition for two voices or instruments.

duet

/ djuːˈɛt /

noun

1. Also called (esp for instrumental compositions): duo. a musical composition for two performers or voices

2. an action or activity performed by a pair of closely connected individuals

verb

1. (intr) to perform a duet

Other Word Forms

• duettist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of duet¹

1730–40; earlier duett < Italian duetto, equivalent to du ( o ) duet + -etto -et

Word History and Origins

Origin of duet¹

C18: from Italian duetto a little duet, from duo duet, from Latin: two

Example Sentences

The resulting duet is in fact one of the score’s comic highlights.

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“We’ve never planned a national action before,” she objects at the start of their duet “Find a Way.”

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The odd, wolfish duet floated through the air: this time it was a pair of high-pitched, girlish howls, followed by a deep and manly one.

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The number, a duet for Victoria and Jonquil, doesn’t make importunate emotional demands and is all the more poignant for its restraint.

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This pure and balanced duet of meat and drink echoes Hemingway’s sentiment that food isn’t mere sustenance.

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Related Words

• duo