Illustration of dodo
- dodo 1a
plural dodoes or dodos
1
a
: an extinct heavy flightless bird (Raphus cucullatus synonym Didus ineptus of the family Columbidae) of the island of Mauritius that was larger than a turkey and was related to the pigeon
b
: an extinct flightless bird (Raphus solitarius) of the island of Réunion similar to and closely related to the dodo
2
a
: one hopelessly behind the times
b
: a stupid person
Examples of dodo in a Sentence
That dodo can't do anything right.
I feel like a complete dodo.
Recent Examples on the Web
In modern times, the Tasmanian tiger, the dodo, and the Steller's sea cow are but a few iconic examples of species lost as a result of human activity.
—
Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
From this milestone, Lamm predicted that the world could see dodo birds again in about five to seven years.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
Scientists tested more than 300 combinations of growth factors, small molecules, and metabolites to develop the cells of Nicobar pigeons, the closest relative to the dodo.
—Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 19 Sep. 2025
The process of resurrection After growing the primordial germ cells, the Colossal scientists plan to edit these with dodo-specific genes.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dodo
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Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
From this milestone, Lamm predicted that the world could see dodo birds again in about five to seven years.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
Scientists tested more than 300 combinations of growth factors, small molecules, and metabolites to develop the cells of Nicobar pigeons, the closest relative to the dodo.
—Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 19 Sep. 2025
The process of resurrection After growing the primordial germ cells, the Colossal scientists plan to edit these with dodo-specific genes.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dodo
Cite this Entry
“Dodo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dodo. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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dodo
noun
do·do
ˈdōd-ō 
plural dodoes or dodos
1
: a large heavy flightless extinct bird related to the pigeons and formerly found on some of the islands of the Indian Ocean
2
a
: a person who is hopelessly behind the times
b
: a stupid person
Etymology
from Portuguese doudo, name given by Portuguese sailors to the bird, from doudo (adjective) "silly, stupid"
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