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disco

n. · v.
US //ˈdɪskoʊ// UK //dˈɪskəʊ// dis·co
  1. 1 music genre (n.)
    A2 Elementary Music

    a style of dance music with a strong beat that was very popular in the 1970s.

    a genre of dance music popularised in the 1970s, characterised by soul influences, syncopated basslines, and a steady rhythmic beat.

    Example

    The DJ played classic disco hits all night long.

    Example

    The resurgence of disco influences in modern pop music suggests a lasting appreciation for the genre's rhythmic complexity and production style.
    • dance music
  2. 2 a nightclub (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a club or place where people go to dance to recorded music.

    a nightclub or venue specifically designed for dancing to recorded music; a clipping of 'discotheque'.

    Example

    We spent the whole Saturday night at the local disco.

    Example

    The old cinema was converted into a multi-storey disco, complete with neon lighting and a high-fidelity sound system.
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  1. 3 a dance party (n.)
    B1 Intermediate British English

    a social event or party where the main activity is dancing.

    a social gathering or event where dancing to recorded music is the primary activity.

    Example

    The school is holding a disco to raise money for charity.

    Example

    The village hall was decorated with tinsel and balloons for the annual Christmas disco, which attracted residents of all ages.
  2. 4 legal discovery (n.)
    C1 Advanced American English Informal Technical Law

    the process of sharing evidence between lawyers before a trial starts.

    the pre-trial phase in which evidence is gathered and materials are revealed to the opposing party.

    Example

    The lawyer spent the afternoon reviewing the disco files for the case.

    Example

    The defence team requested an extension to process the massive volume of disco provided by the prosecution during the initial phase of the litigation.

    Usage

    Often used as a shorthand in legal offices or police procedurals.
  3. 5 to dance (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    to dance in the style of disco music.

    to perform dance moves associated with disco music or to frequent discotheques.

    Example

    They were discoing in the living room until the neighbours complained.

    Example

    The group spent their youth discoing across Europe, visiting the most famous clubs in every major capital.
Etymology 1

From a shortening of discotheque, from French discothèque.

Etymology 2

Clipping of discovery.

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