dodo

noun

do·​do ˈdō-(ˌ)dō How to pronounce dodo (audio)
plural dodoes or dodos
Synonyms of dodonext
1
a
: an extinct heavy flightless bird (Raphus cucullatus synonym Didus ineptus of the family Columbidae) of the island of Mauritius that was larger than a turkey and was related to the pigeon
b
: an extinct flightless bird (Raphus solitarius) of the island of Réunion similar to and closely related to the dodo
2
a
: one hopelessly behind the times
b
: a stupid person

Illustration of dodo

Illustration of dodo
  • dodo 1a

Synonyms of dodo

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Examples of dodo in a Sentence

That dodo can't do anything right. I feel like a complete dodo.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Running toward change to avoid going the way of the dodo is a theme throughout this issue. — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026 Dust ruffles may have gone the way of the dodo after their heyday in the maximalist ’80s, but the absolute best bed skirts (done up in cottagecore ginghams and frothy sateens) are putting the antiquated bed dressing back on the map. — Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 3 Aug. 2026 Other words in Parikh's winning round included fais-dodo, cywyddau, pohutukawa, émeute, natchitoches, and taurokathapsia, per the video on Facebook. — Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026 The company now hopes to use the technology to bring back extinct birds, including the dodo and the giant moa. — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for dodo

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese doudo, from doudo silly, stupid

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of dodo was in 1628

Phrases Containing dodo

Rhymes for dodo

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Browse Nearby Words

dodman
dodo
Dodoma
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Cite this Entry

“Dodo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dodo. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dodo

noun
do·​do ˈdōd-ō How to pronounce dodo (audio)
plural dodoes or dodos
1
: a large heavy flightless extinct bird related to the pigeons and formerly found on some of the islands of the Indian Ocean
2
a
: a person who is hopelessly behind the times
b
: a stupid person
Etymology

from Portuguese doudo, name given by Portuguese sailors to the bird, from doudo (adjective) "silly, stupid"

More from Merriam-Webster on dodo

Nglish: Translation of dodo for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dodo

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