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Definition of ado

ado

/əˈduː/
a · do
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ado Lexical Profile

ado Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A state of agitated activity, unnecessary excitement, fuss, or ceremonial delay, especially over something trivial.

Example

"And now, without further ado, let us welcome our keynote speaker to the stage."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for ado
Antonyms
View all antonyms for ado

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'ado' (fuss or bustle, most commonly seen in the phrase 'without further ado') with the French loanword 'adieu' (farewell or goodbye). In modern English, 'ado' is largely restricted to fixed expressions like 'without further ado' and 'much ado about nothing'.

• Rhymes for ado

• Nearby Words

admonitrix
admrx
adnex
ado
adobe
adobo
adolescence

Word Origin & Etymology

Originating in Middle English as a contraction of the Northern English phrase 'at do' (meaning 'to do'), where the Norse-influenced preposition 'at' was used as an infinitive marker equivalent to 'to'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ado. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ado
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