What does "duo" mean?

1. (performing partners) two people who perform together, such as singers or actors. 2. (any pair of people) two people who are often seen together or work as a team. 3. (a musical composition) a piece of music written for two people to play or sing. 4. (a type of cocktail) a simple drink made by mixing one strong alcohol with a sweet liqueur.

duo

US //ˈduoʊ// UK //djˈuːəʊ// duo

1 performing partners (n.)
B1 Intermediate Music

two people who perform together, such as singers or actors.

a pair of performers, typically in music or comedy, who collaborate as a single act.

Example

The famous comedy duo made the whole audience laugh with their jokes.

Example

The electronic duo spent eighteen months in the studio perfecting their debut album, which eventually topped the charts in three countries.
- duet
- pair
- double act
- soloist
2 any pair of people (n.)
B1 Intermediate

two people who are often seen together or work as a team.

any two people associated with each other or involved in a joint activity.

Example

The dynamic duo finished the project three days before the deadline.

Example

The investigative duo uncovered a series of financial discrepancies that had gone unnoticed by the auditors for several years.

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3 a musical composition (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Music

a piece of music written for two people to play or sing.

a musical composition intended for two performers; a duet.

Example

The pianist and the violinist performed a beautiful duo during the recital.

Example

The composer’s final work was a complex duo for cello and piano, noted for its intricate interplay between the two instruments.
- duet
- solo
4 a type of cocktail (n.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Cooking

a simple drink made by mixing one strong alcohol with a sweet liqueur.

a category of cocktail consisting of a base spirit and a liqueur, served without additional mixers.

Example

A Black Russian is a classic duo made of vodka and coffee liqueur.

Example

The bartender explained that a duo differs from a trio because it lacks the cream or dairy component found in drinks like the White Russian.

Origin

PIE word *dwóh₁ From French duo or Italian duo, from Latin duo (“two”), from Proto-Italic duō, from Proto-Indo-European dwóh₁. Doublet of two, which was inherited via Proto-Germanic.