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
• stir
• fuss
• 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

High-school student Devon Georges was one of the flag-bearers for Saturday’s match and was shocked to get the call to do it from his mentor, Big Brothers Big Sisters Miami President and CEO Gale Nelson. — Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 19 July 2026

Roman designer Ludovica Malagò, who cofounded Studio Malià with Gaia Rebecchini, demonstrates one graceful way to do so in this recent project. — Francesca Longoni, Architectural Digest, 18 July 2026

However, some cleanup advocates still worry that potential federal changes might hinder the state’s ability to do much. — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026

But the property was designed to do more than just host wine tastings and tours of the vineyards. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 18 July 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