tutu

noun

tu·​tu ˈtü-(ˌ)tü 

: a short projecting skirt worn by a ballerina

Illustration of tutu

Examples of tutu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The star, styled by Coco Fontaine, donned a cobalt blue blazer and baggy jeans, which eventually revealed a plaid bra top underneath—tartan princess vibes by way of Miss Claire Sullivan (who also dressed Addison Rae in a brilliant pink tutu) and custom Victoria’s Secret. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 12 Apr. 2026

Her go-bold-or-go-home signature looks included the iconic naked dress, the belt-and-a-crop-top combo, the tutu in Manhattan, and, of course, copious amounts of sparkle. —Meg Walters, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026

My leotard was red with a black tulle tutu held in place by Velcro, and the headband resembled a Spanish dancer’s. —Literary Hub, 18 Feb. 2026

A little girl riding a bike with training wheels, notwithstanding her hot pink tutu. —Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 13 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from (baby talk) tutu backside

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tutu

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

Kids Definition

tutu

noun

tu·​tu ˈtü-tü 

: a short skirt that extends out and is worn by a ballerina

Etymology

French tutu "ballerina skirt," from baby talk tutu "backside"

Biographical Definition

Tutu

biographical name

ˈtü-ˌtü 

Desmond Mpilo 1931–2021 South African clergyman and political activist