duo

¹ American  

[doo-oh, dyoo-oh] / ˈdu oʊ, ˈdyu oʊ /

noun

plural

duos

1. Music. duet.

2. two persons commonly associated with each other; couple.

3. two animals or objects of the same sort; two things ordinarily placed or found together; a pair.

   a duo of lovebirds.

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duo- ² American  

1. a combining form meaning “two,” used in the formation of compound words.

   duologue.

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duo ¹ British  

/ ˈdjuːəʊ /

noun

1. music

   1. a pair of performers

   2. another word for duet

2. a pair of actors, entertainers, etc

3. informal a pair of closely connected individuals

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duo- ² British  

combining form

1. indicating two

   duotone

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Usage

What does duo- mean? Duo- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “two.” It is occasionally used in technical terms.Duo- comes from Greek dýo and Latin duo, both meaning “two.” In fact, English’s own word two is related to these roots! Learn more at our entry at two.

Etymology

Origin of duo¹

1580–90; < Italian < Latin: two

Origin of duo-²

Combining form of Greek dýo, Latin duo two

Compare meaning

How does duo compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• duo vs. duet

Example Sentences

Being a male-female duo was important, Khaki says: "I wouldn't be able to enter the worlds that Mohammadreza could easily enter, and vice versa."

From BBC

Now practically brothers, the young men are making their name as a well-regarded kabuki duo, but their personalities have begun to diverge.

From Los Angeles Times

The British and Irish Lions duo were high-profile absentees from the 23 for Scotland's opening two matches of the tournament against Italy and England amid doubts over their form.

From Barron's

The duo, both now retired, were finally able to arrive home safely in March 2025.

From Barron's

The British and Irish Lions duo were omitted from the matchday squads for the first two fixtures against Italy and England following doubts over their form.

From Barron's

Related Words

• pair