# duo

/ˈduoʊ/ (US) · /djˈuːəʊ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/duo
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. performing partners

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The famous comedy duo made the whole audience laugh with their jokes.
- The electronic duo spent eighteen months in the studio perfecting their debut album, which eventually topped the charts in three countries.

### 2. any pair of people

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The dynamic duo finished the project three days before the deadline.
- The investigative duo uncovered a series of financial discrepancies that had gone unnoticed by the auditors for several years.

### 3. a musical composition

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

For teachers: a musical composition intended for two performers; a duet.

- The pianist and the violinist performed a beautiful duo during the recital.
- The composer’s final work was a complex duo for cello and piano, noted for its intricate interplay between the two instruments.

### 4. a type of cocktail

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

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

## Examples

- The comedy duo performed their best jokes tonight.
- The dynamic duo led the marketing team to its most successful quarter in five years.
- While both musicians have successful solo careers, they are most celebrated as a duo for their unique vocal harmonies and shared songwriting credits.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.