dos: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal/technical
Quick answer
What does “dos” mean?
The plural form of the number two.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural form of the number two; a pair or couple.
In computing, a reference to MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System); in Spanish, 'two'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical. Both use 'dos' primarily for the computing system.
Connotations
Neutral for computing; archaic/affected for the numeral.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency for the numeral meaning in both variants. The computing term is dated but recognized.
Grammar
How to Use “dos” in a Sentence
operate [on] DOSprogram [for] DOSemulate DOSVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dos” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- A DOS emulator
- The DOS command line
American English
- A DOS-based program
- DOS compatibility mode
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in legacy IT contexts ('We still maintain a DOS application for payroll.').
Academic
In computer science history or historical linguistics (as plural of 'do', archaic).
Everyday
Virtually unused. Might be recognized as 'MS-DOS' by older generations.
Technical
Specific to computing: operating system, commands, emulation, legacy software.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dos”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dos”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dos”
- Writing 'do's and don'ts' as 'dos and don'ts'.
- Pronouncing it /duːz/ like the verb 'does'.
- Using 'dos' as a modern plural for 'do' (archaic).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is primarily a proper noun (MS-DOS) or a very archaic plural of 'do'. Its usage is highly specialized.
It is pronounced /dɒs/ (UK) or /dɑːs/ (US), rhyming with 'boss'/'ross', not like 'does' (/dʌz/).
No. 'Dos' is the Spanish word for 'two'. In English, the numeral 'two' is never written as 'dos'.
DOS is a generic term for Disk Operating System. MS-DOS is the specific version developed by Microsoft for IBM PCs.
The plural form of the number two.
Dos is usually informal/technical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's a DOS world (a reference to outdated tech)”
- “Back to the DOS days (nostalgic/dated)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DOS = Disk Operating System. Think 'Does Old Software' to remember it's an older system.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GATEWAY/ FOUNDATION (DOS was the foundational software that led to modern graphical OS).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common contemporary meaning of 'dos'?