noun
Uncommon
combo
KOM-boh
Combo (noun) means a small group of musicians, especially in jazz. Example: “A four-piece jazz combo played in the corner of the bar.”
noun
1
A small group of musicians, especially in jazz.
"A four-piece jazz combo played in the corner of the bar."
"The singer was backed by a small combo of piano, bass and drums."
"We booked a jazz combo to play at the wedding reception."
2
A set of items sold or used together, especially a meal deal at a restaurant.
"I'll have the burger combo with a side of fries."
"Do you want to make that a combo with a drink?"
"The lunch combo includes a sandwich, crisps and a soft drink."
3
A sequence of linked moves in a video game, especially a fighting game, that deals extra damage or effect.
"He pulled off a ten-hit combo to finish the round."
"Learn this combo and you can beat the final boss much faster."
"She chained a punch and a kick into a combo for extra damage."
How to use combo
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn informal shortening of "combination" — used for meal deals, musical groups, or linked video-game moves.
When to use it
Casual/informal; avoid in formal writing where "combination" is expected.
Common pairings
combo meal
jazz combo
combo move
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like combo.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- combos, comboes
- Third person singular
- combos
- Past tense
- comboed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A four-piece jazz _____ played in the corner of the bar.
Etymology
A clipped form of combination.
Related words
Rhymes for combo
See all rhymes for combo →Frequently asked questions
What does “combo” mean?
The word “combo” means a small group of musicians, especially in jazz. In plain terms, an informal shortening of "combination" — used for meal deals, musical groups, or linked video-game moves.
How do you pronounce “combo”?
“Combo” is pronounced KOM-boh (/ˈkɒmbəʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “combo” in a sentence?
Here is “combo” used in a sentence: “A four-piece jazz combo played in the corner of the bar.”
What part of speech is “combo”?
“Combo” is a noun.
Is “combo” a common word?
“Combo” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “combo” have?
“Combo” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small group of musicians, especially in jazz.
What is the difference between a combo and a set meal?
Combo is an informal term for a set of items sold or used together, most often used for a meal deal at a restaurant, such as a burger, fries, and a drink sold as one combo. Set meal is a more neutral or formal term for the same basic idea.
What does combo mean in video games?
In video games, especially fighting games, a combo is a sequence of linked moves that deals extra damage or effect when performed in the right order. Pulling off a combo usually requires precise timing between individual attacks.
Is combo formal or informal English?
Combo is informal, functioning as a casual shortening of "combination." It is common in everyday speech, restaurant menus, and gaming contexts, but formal writing would typically use "combination" or a more specific term instead.
What does combo mean when talking about musicians?
A combo can refer to a small group of musicians, especially in jazz, as opposed to a full band or orchestra. This usage is common in music contexts to describe compact performing groups.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include combo:
