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

Irish rockers Fontaines DC, electronic duo Chase & Status and singer Florence + The Machine will also top the bill at both events over the August bank holiday weekend.

From BBC

The duo went on to watch 100 videos in total from 82 different profiles.

From Barron's

The duo then travelled to Russia, which Xolani says convinced the group to sign the contract as they "trusted them", he says.

From BBC

This column in March related how the duo had won initial vindication, and were rewarded with senior jobs advising Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on IRS reform.

From The Wall Street Journal

Three weeks later, they made more history by becoming the first British duo in 89 years to win the Wimbledon men's doubles.

From BBC

Related Words

• pair