to-do

American  

[tuh-doo] / təˈdu /

noun

Informal.

plural

to-dos

1. bustle; fuss.

   They made a great to-do over the dinner.

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to-do British  

/ təˈduː /

noun

1. a commotion, fuss, or quarrel

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Related Words

See ado.

Etymology

Origin of to-do

before 900; Middle English, Old English; noun use of infinitive phrase; to, do ¹, ado

Example Sentences

With six landings in total, it felt like the Moon had been well and truly ticked off the space to-do list.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

Going to the post office or grocery store gives them the opportunity to unload while also allowing you both to cross something off your to-do lists.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

She wore a yellow knit beanie, gold hoop earrings and the relieved grin of a woman who has finally checked a mammogram off her to-do list.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026

Write that down and make a to-do list that will help you get from where you are today to where you want to be.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

"I'm putting it on my to-do list as we speak."

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris