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

I nervously replied that there had been a slight change of plans and asked him if he could disco as well as salsa.

From Los Angeles Times

If it came out sounding like Ministry or a norteña or a bolero or disco or punk, then that’s what it was.

From Los Angeles Times

Performing under the name Mary Caryl, Serritella contorts her body into positions called “The Chopstick,” “The Jade Split” and “The Black Sun Split,” whirling around a silver pole as disco music plays.

From Los Angeles Times

“I grabbed a festive disco ball planter with a pothos in it, came home to put it on our windowsill, and I was just so excited,” she says.

From Los Angeles Times

A black and gilt disco vibe permeates the 500-capacity space, from the undulating wood ceiling made from salvaged Hollywood Bowl seats to velveteen booths and a winking poster advertising Quaaludes.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dance hall 
• nightclub 
• nightspot