DJ

1 of 3

noun

ˈdē-ˌjā 

plural DJs

: disc jockey

When they [the Beatles] arrived in the U.S. in 1964, John Lennon spent his first night in New York in his hotel room, calling up radio DJs and asking them to play the Ronettes.

—Rob Sheffield

A hip-hop DJ's roles can be multi-faceted: finding the music for dancing, playing the popular tracks, being the rapper's background band, having, maintaining, and providing the equipment, producing the beats, and not least improvising instrumental solos.

—Kjetil Falkenberg Hansen

—sometimes used as a title in the stage name of disc jockeys

Jeffrey Allen Townes, better known as DJ Jazzy Jeff, is a producer, deejay and actor …

—Greg Bishop

DJ

2 of 3

verb

DJed also DJ'd; DJing; DJs

transitive + intransitive

: to perform the role of a disc jockey : to act as a DJ for

Snoop Dogg has revealed that he turned down [an] offer to DJ a party for Michael Jordan.

—Will Lavin

The distinctiveness of DJing in hip hop started with the development of adroit techniques on two turntables.

—Patrick Rivers

There was a festive vibe as [Herman] Matfes DJ'd the event with fun Hanukkah and holiday music.

—Lani Mustacchi

… Paris Hilton DJed a New Year's Eve party on her own virtual island this year.

—Brad Thomas

DJ

3 of 3

abbreviation

1

district judge

2

doctor of jurisprudence

3

dust jacket

Examples of DJ in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This 252-piece set is rated for kids ages 4 and up and includes Mercat, DJ Catnip, Gabby, and plenty of gifts, party favors, and treats to keep the party going all night long. —Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 1 June 2024

In 15 reps during a seven-on-seven period, Williams completed 13 passes, including a deep touchdown over the middle to DJ Moore that Williams celebrated with a dance. —Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2024

Even better, Amazon Music Prime features exclusive, original podcasts hosted by notable celebrities, such as Becky G, DJ Khaled, and Jada Pinkett Smith. —PCMAG, 31 May 2024

News‘ Justin Sylvester, and will feature performances from DJ Lina Bradford, singer Conchita Wurst, pop group BETTY and singer Loren Allred. —Stephen Daw, Billboard, 21 May 2024

Booking these event spaces — not including decor, DJ and other amenities — can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $35,000. —Andrew Zucker, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2024

Taylor Swift has us up in the clouds with her latest remix in collaboration with DJ BLOND:ISH. —Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 21 May 2024

The two-day music festival, held May 25-26 at Louisville's scenic Waterfront Park, 131 River Road, features 26 acts and includes performances by Harlow and co-headliner SZA, James Blake (DJ Set), Omar Apollo, PinkPantheress, Vince Staples, Majid Jordan, Larry June, Veeze and Channel Tres. —Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 20 May 2024

Over the years, he’s also been featured on tracks by Jay-Z, Nas, DJ Khaled, Young Thug, the late Nipsey Hussle and more, all serving as a testament to Belly’s unwavering versatility. —Maha Elnabawi, Billboard, 9 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1946, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1948, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

DJ

noun

ˈdē-ˌjā

often not capitalized

: disc jockey