to do

1 of 2

phrase

Synonyms of to donext
: necessary to be done
I've done my best and all's to do again.—A. E. Housman

to-do

2 of 2

noun

tə-ˈdü How to pronounce to-do (audio)
plural to-dos tə-ˈdüz How to pronounce to-do (audio)
: bustle, stir, fuss

Synonyms of to do

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Noun

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Examples of to do in a Sentence

Noun there was such a to-do when the mice got loose from the science room that I thought the principal was going to close the school
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.
Phrase
Retirees and visitors who won’t be hitting the links can find lots to do, including many free activities in Las Vegas. — Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2026 Ask teachers what matters most, and their answers have surprisingly little to do with shopping. — Adrienne Farr, Parents, 15 Aug. 2026 The transition from farms, the open range, and artisanal workshops to offices and large, impersonal, factories was seen as sapping virility—just as our tiny cubicles and remote workstations are said to do today. — Michael Kimmel, Time, 15 Aug. 2026 Aim to do two sets of these exercises three times a week as part of your strength regimen, and practice them throughout your pregnancy. — Andee Tagle, NPR, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for to do

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1576, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of to do was circa 1576

Rhymes for to do

See All Rhymes for to do

Browse Nearby Words

todlowrie
to do
to-do
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“To do.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/to%20do. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

to-do

noun
tə-ˈdü
plural to-dos
-ˈdüz
: fuss entry 1, stir, commotion

More from Merriam-Webster on to do

Nglish: Translation of to do for Spanish Speakers

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