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noun Uncommon

ado

uh-DOO

Ado (noun) means Unnecessary fuss, bother, or commotion over something. Example: “Without further ado, let's get started.”

noun
1
Unnecessary fuss, bother, or commotion over something.
"Without further ado, let's get started."
"There was a lot of ado over such a small mistake."

How to use ado

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFuss or bother, almost always used in the fixed phrase "without further ado."

Common pairings
without further ado much ado about nothing
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Without further _____, let's get started.

Etymology

From a Northern Middle English phrase "at do," a Scandinavian-influenced way of saying "to do" — the same "at" used before verbs in Danish.

Origin: Middle English

Related words

Rhymes for ado

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Frequently asked questions

What does “ado” mean?

The word “ado” means unnecessary fuss, bother, or commotion over something. In plain terms, fuss or bother, almost always used in the fixed phrase "without further ado.".

How do you pronounce “ado”?

“Ado” is pronounced uh-DOO (/əˈduː/ in IPA).

How do you use “ado” in a sentence?

Here is “ado” used in a sentence: “Without further ado, let's get started.”

What part of speech is “ado”?

“Ado” is a noun.

Where does the word “ado” come from?

The word “ado” comes from Middle English. From a Northern Middle English phrase "at do," a Scandinavian-influenced way of saying "to do" — the same "at" used before verbs in Danish.

Is “ado” a common word?

“Ado” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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