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

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.
Lamm told The New York Post that the company believes the moa could return by the early 2030s, while the dodo could be revived within four or five years. Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026 Colossal is already working on artificial eggs that would be big enough for the dodo and moa embryos. Rob Stein, NPR, 19 May 2026 Colossal is also working on de-extincting the dodo, another South Pacific flightless bird species wiped out by hungry settlers. David Bloom, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026 The company is also working to bring back the woolly mammoth, the Tasmanian tiger, the dodo, and the moa. Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 30 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dodo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dodo. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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"

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