tutu

¹

[ too-too; French ty-ty ]

noun

, plural tu·tus [too, -tooz, t, y, -, ty].

1. a short, full skirt, usually made of several layers of tarlatan or tulle, worn by ballerinas.

Tutu

²

[ too-too ]

noun

1. Des·mond (Mpi·lo) [dez, -m, uh, nd , uh, m-, pee, -loh], 1931–2021, South African Anglican clergyman and civil rights activist: Nobel Peace Prize 1984; archbishop of Cape Town 1986–96.

tutu

¹

/ ˈtuːtuː /

noun

1. a shrub, Coriaria arborea , of New Zealand, having seeds that are poisonous to farm animals

tutu

²

/ ˈtuːtuː /

noun

1. a very short skirt worn by ballerinas, made of projecting layers of stiffened sheer material

Tutu

³

/ ˈtuːtuː /

noun

1. TutuDesmond1931MSouth AfricanRELIGION: clergyman Desmond . born 1931, South African clergyman, noted for his opposition to apartheid: Anglican Bishop of Johannesburg (1984–86) and Archbishop of Cape Town (1986–96); in 1995 he became leader of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, established to investigate human rights violations during the apartheid era. Nobel peace prize 1984

Word History and Origins

Origin of tutu¹

Borrowed into English from French around 1925–30

Word History and Origins

Origin of tutu¹

Māori

Origin of tutu²

from French, changed from the nursery word cucu backside, from cul , from Latin cūlus the buttocks

Example Sentences

The Rams have a blueprint for a turnaround, receiver Tutu Atwell said.

From Los Angeles Times

Receiver Tutu Atwell is among others who must again step up.

From Los Angeles Times

“It makes you realize he probably should have gotten other opportunities,” in previous games McVay said, adding, “I think this is a stepping stone for him. ... Happy for Tutu. He deserves that.”

From Los Angeles Times

Demarcus Robinson will play on a one-year contract, and Tutu Atwell is not expected to receive an extension after playing the final year of his rookie deal.

From Los Angeles Times

Moore, who with Kristen has two young children, said the idea came together when they visited a Tutu School in north Seattle, and were struck by the “pure joy” in the room.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• dress
• kilt
• petticoat
• sarong