Meaning & use
small combo
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountable
A small musical group, typically a jazz band with three to six players.
Grammar: Countable; often used with 'a' or in the plural 'small combos'.
Patterns
- a small combo
- play in a small combo
The club featured a small combo playing bebop.
She prefers performing with a small combo rather than a big band.
A small combo of guitar, bass, and drums provided the music.
nouncountableinformal
A meal consisting of a main dish and a side, usually sold at a lower price.
Grammar: Countable; common in fast-food contexts.
Patterns
- order a small combo
- a small combo meal
I'll have the small combo with a burger and fries.
The small combo comes with a drink.
Word forms
| plural | small combos |
|---|
Common combinations
- a small combo
- They hired a small combo for the wedding reception.
- play in a small combo
- He plays in a small combo on weekends.
- order a small combo
- She ordered a small combo at the drive-thru.
Synonyms and how they differ
- ensemble
- More formal and can refer to any size group; 'small combo' specifically suggests a small jazz or pop group.
- meal deal
- British; refers to a combined meal offer, similar to a combo meal.
Opposites
Practice
In which context would you most likely hear 'small combo'?
Choose one answer.
'Small combo' often refers to a small jazz group, so a jazz club is the most likely context. The other options are not typically associated with musical groups or meal deals.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “small combo”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.