adv Uncommon

fro

froh

Fro (adv) means Away, back — now used almost only in the fixed phrase "to and fro" (back and forth). Example: “The old rocking chair creaked to and fro.”

adv

Away, back — now used almost only in the fixed phrase "to and fro" (back and forth).

"The old rocking chair creaked to and fro."

How to use fro

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishOnly really used today in "to and fro", meaning back and forth.

When to use it

Archaic outside that fixed phrase.

Common pairings

to and fro

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The old rocking chair creaked to and _____.

Etymology

From Old Norse frá ("from"); a close relative of the word "from" that survived mainly in the set phrase "to and fro".

Origin: Old Norse

Frequently asked questions

What does “fro” mean?

The word “fro” means away, back — now used almost only in the fixed phrase "to and fro" (back and forth). In plain terms, only really used today in "to and fro", meaning back and forth.

How do you pronounce “fro”?

“Fro” is pronounced froh (/fɹoʊ/ in IPA).

How do you use “fro” in a sentence?

Here is “fro” used in a sentence: “The old rocking chair creaked to and fro.”

What part of speech is “fro”?

“Fro” is an adverb.

Where does the word “fro” come from?

The word “fro” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse frá ("from"); a close relative of the word "from" that survived mainly in the set phrase "to and fro".

Is “fro” a common word?

“Fro” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Featured in

Vocabulary lists that include fro:

Words with old Norse origins Words that end with O