dodo

noun

do·​do ˈdō-(ˌ)dō 

plural dodoes or dodos

1

a

: an extinct heavy flightless bird (Raphus cucullatus synonym Didus ineptus of the family Raphidae) 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

• dodo 1a

Synonyms

• antediluvian
• Colonel Blimp
• fogy
• fogey
• fossil
• fud
• fuddy-duddy
• mossback
• reactionary
• stick-in-the-mud
• stuffed shirt

Examples of dodo in a Sentence

That dodo can't do anything right.

I feel like a complete dodo.

Recent Examples on the Web

Only humans are responsible for the extinction of species, including the dodo bird and passenger pigeon. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 16 Jan. 2024

But the extinct creature is not an appropriate symbol because, unlike the dodo, Mauritius is very much alive and kicking. —James Rampton, theweek, 11 Apr. 2024

Or, if moderate Republicans go extinct, will future generations one day resurrect them, much like some researchers are now promising to reintroduce the dodo? —Joanna Allhands, The Arizona Republic, 27 Feb. 2024

The creature was not destroyed by settlers, like the hapless dodo bird was, or by rampant human development, like the Chinese river dolphin was. —Erik Vance, Scientific American, 1 Aug. 2017

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese doudo, from doudo silly, stupid

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing dodo

• (as) dead as a dodo

Kids Definition

dodo

noun

do·​do ˈdōd-ō 

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"