to do

1 of 2

phrase

: necessary to be done

I've done my best and all's to do again.

—A. E. Housman

to-do

2 of 2

noun

tə-ˈdü 

plural to-dos tə-ˈdüz 

: bustle, stir, fuss

Synonyms of to do

Noun

• commotion
• hurry
• disturbance
• fuss
• stir
• clutter
• turmoil
• fun
• storm
• noise

Examples of to do in a Sentence

Noun

there was such a to-do when the mice got loose from the science room that I thought the principal was going to close the school

Recent Examples on the Web

Phrase

What to do nearby Upon arrival, one of the very helpful receptionists will mark up a map with nearby sites, beaches, and restaurants worth visiting in the area and explain the best way to walk or bike there—a nice personal touch. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026

If the idea of doing surgery on a raw turkey gives you a stress rash, ask your butcher to do it—even at the supermarket. — Andy Baraghani, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026

See what teams need to do to make the postseason or win a district title. — Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Nov. 2026

These exchanges often have very little to do with what’s actually happening in your life and much more to do with something unsaid or unresolved with the messenger. — Joy Harden Bradford, AJC.com, 5 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1576, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for to do

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

Kids Definition

to-do

noun

tə-ˈdü

plural to-dos

-ˈdüz

: fuss entry 1, stir, commotion