edm

IPA/ˌiː diː ˈem/
IPA/ˌiː diː ˈem/

edm — noun

1. a type of fast-paced popular music created using electronic instruments such as

1.nounB1
Definition

a type of fast-paced popular music created using electronic instruments such as synthesizers and drum machines, designed for dancing at clubs, parties, or large outdoor festivals

Example

Arjun taught himself to produce EDM using a laptop and headphones.

produce EDM — collocation for creating music

Thousands of EDM fans camped for three days at the desert festival.

EDM fans / EDM festival — typical noun modifier uses

Common collocations
  • EDM festival
  • EDM producer
  • EDM track
  • EDM artist
  • EDM scene
  • EDM concert
Synonyms
  • electronic dance music

    the full written form; used in formal or written contexts

  • dance music

    broader category that includes non-electronic dance genres such as disco or Latin dance

  • club music

    overlaps with EDM but can refer to any genre played in nightclubs

Usage Note

Almost always written in capital letters as EDM. Although the word already contains 'music', it is very common to hear 'EDM music' in casual speech.

Common Mistakes

EDMs are very popular right now.
EDM is very popular right now.
EDM is uncountable and does not take a plural form.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

EDM is the abbreviation for 'electronic dance music' and is the standard term in casual and commercial contexts. 'Electronic dance music' sounds more formal and is used in journalism or academic writing. 'Dance music' is a much broader category that includes any genre designed for dancing, from 1970s disco to Latin salsa. 'Club music' overlaps with EDM but can also mean hip-hop or R&B played in nightclubs. For example, a radio host might say 'This hour we are playing electronic dance music from around the world,' but a teenager talking to friends would say 'I love EDM.'

EDM ↗electronic dance musicdance musicclub music

Common collocations

Nouns

Etymology

English

EDM is an initialism formed from the first letters of 'electronic dance music.' The full phrase dates back to the 1980s when genres like house and techno emerged. The abbreviation EDM became widely used in the United States around 2010 as the commercial electronic dance music scene grew into a mainstream industry.

First known use

1996

1996, in the meaning defined above