to-do

[ tuh-doo ]

noun

, Informal.

, plural to-dos.

1. bustle; fuss:

   They made a great to-do over the dinner.

to-do

/ təˈduː /

noun

1. a commotion, fuss, or quarrel

Word History and Origins

Origin of to-do¹

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

Synonym Study

See ado.

Example Sentences

The second item on his to-do list involves continuing negotiations with the city of L.A., which will have to provide traffic control, garbage collection and other services at venues.

From Los Angeles Times

Both male and female supporters embodied the vibe of any adult woman who smiles as she checks off her lengthy to-do list, busy but grateful to have such a full life.

From Salon

“Either it’s Donald Trump, sitting in there, stewing, stewing over his enemies list; or me, with your help, working for you, checking off my to-do list,” Harris said at a recent rally.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump, she said, would enter office “stewing over an enemies list,” and she said she would walk in “with my to-do list,” including implementing a federal ban on price gouging on groceries.

From Los Angeles Times

We’ve been told not to mistake our list of addresses for a to-do list.

From Salon