ditto

American  

[dit-oh] / ˈdɪt oʊ /

noun

plural

dittos

1. the aforesaid; the above; the same (used in accounts, lists, etc., to avoid repetition). do. ″.

2. another of the same.

3. Informal. a duplicate; copy.

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adverb

1. as already stated; likewise.

verb (used with object)

dittoed, dittoing

1. to duplicate or repeat the action or statement of (another person).

2. to make a copy of, as by using a Ditto machine.

ditto British  

/ ˈdɪtəʊ /

noun

1.  do.  the aforementioned; the above; the same. Used in accounts, lists, etc, to avoid repetition and symbolized by two small marks (ˌ) known as ditto marks , placed under the thing repeated

2. informal

   1. a duplicate

   2. ( as modifier )

      a ditto copy

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adverb

1. in the same way

1. informal used to avoid repeating or to confirm agreement with an immediately preceding sentence

verb

1. (tr) to copy; repeat

Etymology

Origin of ditto

First recorded in 1615–25; from Italian, variant of detto “said,” from Latin dictus, past participle of dīcere “to say”; see dictum ( def. )

Explanation

A ditto looks like a quotation mark — " — and it's used as you go down a list to indicate you're repeating whatever is above. If your jellies and jams all cost $2.00, you can write $2.00 just once with the first item on your price list and " in the price column next to each item listed below. You can also use the word ditto informally to describe repetition: "I can't believe you wore those shoes. Ditto that hat." You may recognize Ditto as the aptly named son of the comic strip characters Hi and Lois; he’s the twin brother of Dot.

Example Sentences

For the first half of the 20th century, this need was addressed—sort of—via mimeographs and ditto machines.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 15, 2025

And they will continue to behave as such until it physically can't be in the spring, but in the summer… and ditto the autumn, and, yes, the winter.

From BBC • Nov. 23, 2023

Those who appreciate the minty mushy peas will wish for more than the small dollop provided; ditto the housemade tartar sauce.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 8, 2023

Paul has an Asian neighbor who has taken over carpool duties so he can work on his book; ditto for her on the memorability factor.

From Salon • Nov. 27, 2022

“Ditto, ditto, Mr. Brooke,” laughed Meg, looking young and pretty again, as she nodded to him over the teapot.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott