dado

1 of 2

noun

da·​do ˈdā-(ˌ)dō 

plural dadoes

1

a

: the part of a pedestal of a column above the base

b

: the lower part of an interior wall when specially decorated or faced

also : the decoration adorning this part of a wall

2

: a rectangular groove cut to make a joint in woodworking

specifically : one cut across the grain

Illustration of dado

• 1 surbase
• 2 dado
• 3 base

dado

2 of 2

verb

dadoed; dadoing

transitive verb

1

: to provide with a dado

2

a

: to set into a groove

b

: to cut a dado in (something, such as a plank)

Examples of dado in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Period details including plasterwork, timber paneling, and dado rails were restored, while modern systems and technology were discreetly incorporated. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2026

In the primary bedroom, the dado is covered in black diamond African fabric from Aissa Dione. — Ian Phillips, Architectural Digest, 21 Mar. 2025

Next, mill a dado near the bottom edge of each side piece that will accept the bottom. — Paul Steiner, Popular Mechanics, 24 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Italian, die, plinth

First Known Use

Noun

1664, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dado

• acknow
• aglow
• ago
• airglow
• aloe
• altho
• although
• ammo
• backflow
• backhoe
• banjo
• barbeau

Kids Definition

dado

noun

da·​do

ˈdād-ō

plural dadoes

: the part of a pedestal of a column above the base