tutu

noun

tu·​tu ˈtü-(ˌ)tü How to pronounce tutu (audio)
: a short projecting skirt worn by a ballerina

Illustration of tutu

Illustration of tutu

Examples of tutu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Worn by Osaka during her first-round singles match on day two of the tournament, the look featured a white windbreaker with a large green bow, a green tutu with white tulle ruffles and a matching green visor. — Alyssa Modos, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026 The line is available on Amazon, and features Western rhinestone tutu dresses and sweet denim bandanas. — Tanya Edwards, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 Later, CeCe dresses her up in a pink tutu and makes up a dance for her kitten. — Parents, 31 July 2026 Paired with knee-high, lug-sole boots, a cutsey tutu becomes oh-so cool. — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tutu

Word History

Etymology

French, from (baby talk) tutu backside

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tutu was in 1913

Rhymes for tutu

See All Rhymes for tutu

Browse Nearby Words

tutty
tutu
Tutu
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Cite this Entry

“Tutu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tutu. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tutu

noun
tu·​tu ˈtü-tü How to pronounce tutu (audio)
: a short skirt that extends out and is worn by a ballerina
Etymology

French tutu "ballerina skirt," from baby talk tutu "backside"

Biographical Definition

Tutu

biographical name

ˈtü-ˌtü How to pronounce Tutu (audio)
Desmond Mpilo 1931–2021 South African clergyman and political activist

More from Merriam-Webster on tutu

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tutu

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