tutu

noun

tu·​tu ˈtü-(ˌ)tü How to pronounce tutu (audio)
: a short projecting skirt worn by a ballerina

Illustration of tutu

Illustration of tutu

Examples of tutu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Take, for instance, a satin, off-the-shoulder gown cinched with a statement buckle belt, or a very literal take on a ballerina’s tutu featuring a corset and a tiny tulle skirt. Laura Neilson, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2024 Two specialist disciplines are offered — costume design and costume interpretation — and courses such as corsetry and tutu construction make the program distinctive. Cathy Whitlock, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Feb. 2024 Curled up on a sofa, the baby star can be seen napping in a bubblegum tutu. Zoey Lyttle, Peoplemag, 3 Feb. 2024 To pair with tutu skirts and white tights, the hair and makeup channeled ballerinas, who took to the stage like clockwork. Essence, 26 Jan. 2024 Oscar winners often keep their trophies in hallowed spaces, amid precious memories and medals, or at the very least, in a tutu. Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 9 Oct. 2023 The tutu makes another appearance in the 2008 SATC film as Carrie gives friends Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall), Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon) and Charlotte York (Kristin Davis) a closet clean-out fashion show. Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 25 Jan. 2024 Wearing a unicorn horn and a pink, blue and purple tutu, Mia smiles in front of a pile of presents. Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 25 Dec. 2023 When Tiana Paopao's 3-year-old daughter Willow performed in her first ballet recital, her dad Tony was quick to jump in to support his little girl by putting on a black tutu and getting on stage. Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 21 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tutu.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French, from (baby talk) tutu backside

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tutu was in 1913

Dictionary Entries Near tutu

Cite this Entry

“Tutu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tutu. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

tutu

noun
tu·​tu ˈtü-tü How to pronounce tutu (audio)
: 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

Desmond Mpilo 1931–2021 South African clergyman and political activist

More from Merriam-Webster on tutu

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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