ado

noun

ə-ˈdü 

1

: heightened fuss or concern : to-do

much ado about the need for reform

2

: time-wasting bother over trivial details

wrote the paper without further ado

3

: trouble, difficulty

The journey itself is not described; our heroes disembark without ado at Philadelphia.

—Anthony Lane

Synonyms of ado

• commotion
• fuss
• hurry
• stir
• disturbance
• turmoil

Examples of ado in a Sentence

a bride-to-be caught up in the usual prenuptial ado

Recent Examples on the Web

Our take on summer wedding guest dressing spans every sort of attire; without further ado, here are eight ideas to use as a jumping off point for your own midsummer ensemble. —Sarah Zendejas, Vogue, 10 May 2026

Without further ado, scroll below to find the best outdoor furniture sales and get a head start on revamping your backyard oasis. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 8 May 2026

There’s much ado about belts, a cerulean soliloquy, and a throwaway line about an eyelash curler that, frankly, should have landed better. —Faran Krentcil, Allure, 4 May 2026

So without further ado, let’s get going! —Michael Schneider, Variety, 4 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, reduced from the infinitive phrase at do, from at "to, at entry 1" + do, don "to do entry 1"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ado

• without further ado

Rhymes for ado

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

Kids Definition

ado

noun

ə-ˈdü 

: fuss entry 1 sense 1, trouble

much ado about nothing