tutu

noun

tu·​tu ˈtü-(ˌ)tü 

: a short projecting skirt worn by a ballerina

Illustration of tutu

Examples of tutu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Available in classic neutrals like black, beige, and silver, plus fun shades like wisteria, tutu pink, and red jam, there’s a color for every mood. —Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 20 Nov. 2025

This one went viral last year when a mom painted cardboard to look like chocolate squares and combined it with a tutu to represent marshmallow and graham cracker layers. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025

In one slide of the carousel, Aniston is seen standing in front of a rack of clothing wearing black tutu as a top and no pants, her bare legs partially covered by an assistant tending to her ensemble. —Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025

Sweeney styled the heels with a vintage 1990s Thierry Mugler tutu dress set. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from (baby talk) tutu backside

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tutu

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

Kids Definition

tutu

noun

tu·​tu ˈtü-tü 

: a short skirt that extends out and is worn by a ballerina

Etymology

French tutu "ballerina skirt," from baby talk tutu "backside"

Biographical Definition

Tutu

biographical name

ˈtü-ˌtü 

Desmond Mpilo 1931–2021 South African clergyman and political activist