to-do

American  

[tuh-doo] / təˈdu /

noun

Informal.

plural

to-dos

1. bustle; fuss.

   They made a great to-do over the dinner.

---

to-do British  

/ təˈduː /

noun

1. a commotion, fuss, or quarrel

---

Related Words

See ado.

Etymology

Origin of to-do

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

Example Sentences

Barron’s in January drew up a to-do list for Disney’s new CEO, outlining four top priorities: accelerating streaming growth, pumping out more box-office hits, sorting out ESPN, and building on theme-park success.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

She teased her “DWTS” news with an Instagram video in which she wrote out her “Next Chapter 2026” to-do list, which included “prioritizing” herself, “taking risks” and “Dancing With the Stars.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

On Spero’s social media to-do list: a “slop hunter of the week leaderboard.”

From Slate • Apr. 17, 2026

There are some non-vacation-related items for your to-do list, as well: create power-of-attorney documents while your husband is of sound mind and has the legal capacity to sign off on them.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

Here I was laid up with a bad hog cut, hurting so bad I could hardly get my breath, and her expecting me to make a big to-do over a little old puny speckled pup.

From "Old Yeller" by Fred Gipson