Definition of DISCO

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A style of dance music that arose in the mid-1970s, disco (short for discotheque), is characterized by hypnotic rhythm, repetitive lyrics, and electronically produced sounds. Disco evolved largely from New York underground nightclubs, in which disc jockeys would play dance records for hours without interruption, taking care to synchronize the beats so as to make a seamless change between records. Artists such as Donna Summer, Chic, and the Bee Gees, had hits in the genre, which peaked with the release of the film Saturday Night Fever (1977). Disco faded after 1980, but its influence, especially its sequenced electronic beats, still affects much of pop music.

Examples of disco in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

As the evening pulsed on, the crowd was swelled with the arrival of a tribe of models and the action switched to the disco club, where the walls and banquettes were upholstered in bold flower prints and tree peonies fragranced the air. — Hamish Bowles, Vogue, "Hamish Bowles Takes In Louis Vuitton’s Glittering Cruise Collection In Cannes," 30 May 2018 His musical catalog consists of jazz, contemporary R&B and disco-club songs. — NBC News, "R&B legend James Mtume talks 'Juicy Fruit' and his career," 18 Feb. 2018 The electro-disco song features Canadian LGBTQ counter-culture darling Peaches and feminist electronic rock band Le Tigre, known for its left-wing views and LGBTQ activism. — Muri Assunção, Billboard, "10 Christina Aguilera Songs for Your Pride Month Playlist: Listen," 25 June 2018 Wine flowed and the music got louder, jumping from Bossa Nova to Italo-disco to Greek rebetiko as the sun began to set over Athens. — Charly Wilder, New York Times, "Athens, Rising," 18 June 2018 And the company makes resourceful use of its cabaret-style space, with solid production values and a spare but workable set (by Jacob Sampson) that shifts to accommodate settings from Windsor Castle to a disco. — James Hebert, sandiegouniontribune.com, "'King Charles III' fascinates (and frustrates) at Coronado Playhouse," 26 Mar. 2018 If loads of disco-like glitter isn't your thing, just add a few touches here and there to update your look. — Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, "Crazy for color, ruffles and gold: The Kentucky Derby fashion trends you'll see this year," 22 Mar. 2018 Studio 54, a doc charting the rise and fall of the famed disco ... — Ray Rahman, The Hollywood Reporter, "What Matters in Hollywood Today," 23 Jan. 2018 Riders whirl by blue and green flashing lights and disco balls in purple and pink that are more amplified in the night. — Gabrielle Russon, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Disney: Take a look at Toy Story Land at night," 2 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Yubin’s debut single draws on ‘80s disco and soft rock, sprinkling the playful melody with funky instrumentals, sweet harmonies, and playful synths. — Tamar Herman, Billboard, "Former Wonder Girls Member Yubin Debuts First Solo Song 'Lady': Watch the Video," 5 June 2018 Your soup can and disco looks didn't impress the judges. — Joey Guerra, Houston Chronicle, "Aja talks reintroducing herself on 'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' 3," 23 Feb. 2018 Zendaya channeled her inner ‘70s disco Barbie on Monday (August 7) evening, attending Variety’s Power of Young Hollywood Event wearing an ombré pink sparkly pantsuit by designer Vivetta. — Avery Matera, Teen Vogue, "Zendaya Wears a Pink Sequined Suit on the Red Carpet," 10 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'disco.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.