Jump To:

• fro
  fro

  adverb

  from; back.
• 'fro
  'fro

  adjective

  shortened form of Afro.

fro

¹ American  

[froh] / froʊ /

adverb

1. Obsolete. from; back.

---

idioms

1. to and fro, alternating from one place to another; back and forth.

   The trees were swaying to and fro in the wind.

'fro ² American  

[froh] / froʊ /

Or fro

adjective

Informal.

'fros plural

1. shortened form of Afro.

---

fro ¹ British  

/ frəʊ /

adverb

1. back or from See to and fro

---

fro ² British  

/ frəʊ /

noun

1. short for Afro

---

fro More Idioms  

1. see to and fro.

---

Etymology

Origin of fro¹

1150–1200; Middle English frō, frā < Old Norse frā from; akin to Old English fram from

Origin of 'fro²

First recorded in 1970–75; by shortening

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

fro 'fro

Imagine if you’re a nominee, getting shuttled to and fro, shaking hands and making small talk.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 15, 2026

With domestic issues like the property sector slump persisting, more evidence of a slowdown could add to calls fro Beijing to roll out more stimulus this year.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 4, 2026

Thankfully, after a bit of to and fro, they did let a few broadcast cameras in so we could watch outside and you could watch too, if you chose to.

From BBC ● Oct. 25, 2025

Shelters have been opened for those displaced from their homes, and helicopters were flying to and fro to bring essentials to people cut off from the rest of the world.

From Barron's ● Oct. 13, 2025

A little tent had been pitched for him beside the king’s lodging; and there he sat alone, while men passed to and fro, going in to the king and taking counsel with him.

From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien

I expected to see Matt Damon rock that Sonny V 'fro and maybe the use of AI technology to recreate those big sleepy eyes – but we only get the belly.

From Salon ● Apr. 8, 2023

The melancholy result is that the painter with the spectacularly lulling voice, the hallmark ’fro and the liberating kindness remains a mystery; not the brand that’s made millions but the guy who touched millions.

From New York Times ● Aug. 25, 2021

Drummer/vocalist Henley sported a sea-captainish double-breasted vest and a high-and-tight haircut, worlds away from the ’fro he once rocked behind the kit.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 30, 2019

He has tried wearing his hair in twists, but recently changed back to the mini ’fro.

From Washington Post ● Apr. 10, 2018

The beast chuffed, gusting hot breath that rippled Sheed’s tiny ’fro.

From "The Last Last-Day-of-Summer" by Lamar Giles