WordGarden.iodisco
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /dˈɪskəʊ/
US
- /ˈdɪskoʊ/
Meanings
Noun
a style of dance music with a strong beat, especially associated with the 1970s
a party or club event where people dance to recorded music
Beyond the definition
"Disco" isn't just about sparkly outfits and Saturday Night Fever! Originally, it was short for discothèque, a French word for a dance club where recorded music (instead of a live band) was played. But disco quickly became more than that—it grew into a whole scene in the 1970s, defined by its steady beat, glamorous fashion, and welcoming atmosphere. Think mirror balls, platform shoes, and songs designed to make you move! While the peak of "disco mania" faded, the music continues to influence pop, funk, and electronic styles today. You might say a song "has disco vibes" if it's upbeat and easy to dance to.
The word "disco" has a fascinating journey. It began as a shortened form of discothèque, a French word for a dance club built around recorded music rather than a live band. By the 1970s, "disco" exploded into a cultural phenomenon. It wasn't just where you danced; it was a distinct style of music characterized by strong bass lines and lush orchestration, often featuring strings, horns, and polished vocal arrangements. Artists like Donna Summer, the Bee Gees, and Chic helped define the sound.
But disco was more than just music. It represented a shift in nightlife, offering spaces where people from diverse backgrounds—particularly African American, Latino, and LGBTQ+ communities—could come together and express themselves freely. This inclusivity, combined with its flamboyant fashion (think sequins, jumpsuits, and platform shoes), made it both exhilarating and controversial.
The "disco backlash" of the late 1970s brought a strong reaction against the genre, but disco's influence is undeniable. It laid the groundwork for house music, techno, and many other kinds of electronic dance music. Today, "disco" can refer to the music itself ("That song has a strong disco beat"), the era ("The 1970s were the height of the disco age"), a club or dance event ("We went to a disco"), or even the aesthetic ("She was rocking a full-on disco look"). So whether you're hitting the dance floor or simply appreciating its legacy, "disco" represents a vibrant and influential moment in music and culture.
Examples
- 1
School event
The school is having a disco on Friday night.
- 2
Past meeting
My aunt met my uncle at a disco in Manchester in 1978.
- 3
Music genre
She grew up listening to disco, soul, and funk.
- 4
Dance beat
The song has a strong disco beat.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- disconounverb
Forms
- discospluralnounverb
- discoedpast tenseverbnoun
- discoing-ing formverbnoun