Illustration of dodo
- dodo 1a
plural dodoes or dodos
1
a
: an extinct heavy flightless bird (Raphus cucullatus synonym Didus ineptus of the family Columbidae) 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
Synonyms of dodo
Examples of dodo in a Sentence
That dodo can't do anything right.
I feel like a complete dodo.
Recent Examples on the Web
Dust ruffles may have gone the way of the dodo after their heyday in the maximalist ’80s, but the absolute best bed skirts (done up in cottagecore ginghams and frothy sateens and linens) are putting the antiquated bed dressing back on the map.
—
Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 20 Jan. 2026
Their situation resembles that of the dodo bird, which went extinct shortly after humans arrived on its island home of Mauritius.
—Grrlscientist, Forbes.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Colossal is also making breakthroughs on its dodo bird and thylacine (Tasmanian tiger) projects, framing de-extinction not as spectacle, but as a tool for conservation, resilience and ethical reflection.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
In modern times, the Tasmanian tiger, the dodo, and the Steller's sea cow are but a few iconic examples of species lost as a result of human activity.
—Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dodo
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Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 20 Jan. 2026
Their situation resembles that of the dodo bird, which went extinct shortly after humans arrived on its island home of Mauritius.
—Grrlscientist, Forbes.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Colossal is also making breakthroughs on its dodo bird and thylacine (Tasmanian tiger) projects, framing de-extinction not as spectacle, but as a tool for conservation, resilience and ethical reflection.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
In modern times, the Tasmanian tiger, the dodo, and the Steller's sea cow are but a few iconic examples of species lost as a result of human activity.
—Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dodo
Cite this Entry
“Dodo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dodo. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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"
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