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
The genetics researchers have also expressed keen interest in bringing back the thylacine and the dodo.
—
New Atlas, 4 Mar. 2025
The company's Avian Genomics Group is close to achieving primordial germ cells in pigeons, which would allow genetic testing of dodo characteristics in pigeons – similar to the mouse-mammoth experiments.
—Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025
The team at Colossal Biosciences has started a number of de-extinction projects, including the dodo and thylacine, but its flagship project is the mammoth.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 4 Mar. 2025
The company says reviving extinct species like the mammoth, the dodo and others could help repair ecosystems.
—Rob Stein, NPR, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dodo
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New Atlas, 4 Mar. 2025
The company's Avian Genomics Group is close to achieving primordial germ cells in pigeons, which would allow genetic testing of dodo characteristics in pigeons – similar to the mouse-mammoth experiments.
—Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025
The team at Colossal Biosciences has started a number of de-extinction projects, including the dodo and thylacine, but its flagship project is the mammoth.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 4 Mar. 2025
The company says reviving extinct species like the mammoth, the dodo and others could help repair ecosystems.
—Rob Stein, NPR, 4 Mar. 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 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
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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