What does "dodo" mean?
A large, flightless bird, †Raphus cucullatus, related to the pigeon, that is now extinct (since the 1600s) and was native to Mauritius.
Dodo
/ˈdəʊdəʊ/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A large, flightless bird, †Raphus cucullatus, related to the pigeon, that is now extinct (since the 1600s) and was native to Mauritius.
- Grammar: dodo is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: raphus cucullatus, antediluvian, antique, back number.
- Useful contrasts: clever person, extant bird, genius.
- Usage evidence: If we're not careful, the tiger will soon go the way of the dodo.
How to use "dodo"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "dodo" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "dodo" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "dodo" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "dodo" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "dodo" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "raphus cucullatus" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "dodo", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A large, flightless bird, †Raphus cucullatus, related to the pigeon, that is now extinct (since the 1600s) and was native to Mauritius.
"In spite of the most active search, during the last century, no information respecting the dodo was obtained, and some authors have gone so far as to pretend that it never existed; […]"
- 2 Fried plantain. Nigeria, uncountable
"Dodo is everybody's favorite! It is a superb snack, a side dish, a breakfast food or a dessert all rolled into one. The best dodo is made from soft (almost over ripe) plantain which is cut in 1/2 inch thick diagonal slices and fried to a crispy golden brown."
- 3 extinct heavy flightless bird of Mauritius related to pigeons wordnet
- 4 A person or organisation which is very old or has very old-fashioned views or is not willing to change and adapt. figuratively
- 5 someone whose style is out of fashion wordnet
Show 1 more definition
- 6 A hole in one.
""Most of the aces weren't on holes I would have liked to have made them on," confessed Colk, who dropped his fifth dodo of 1935 on December 29, which was believed at the time to be a record for most aces in a year."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"If we're not careful, the tiger will soon go the way of the dodo."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "dodo"?
Common synonyms include: raphus cucullatus, antediluvian, antique, back number, blockhead, boob.
How do you use "dodo" in a sentence?
If we're not careful, the tiger will soon go the way of the dodo.
How do you pronounce "dodo"?
Pronounced /ˈdəʊdəʊ/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Uncertain. Perhaps from obsolete Portuguese doudo (“fool, simpleton, silly, stupid”) or Dutch dodaars. First attested in the 17th century.
Etymology 2
Borrowed from Yoruba dòdò (“fried plantain”).