fado

noun

fa·​do ˈfä-(ˌ)t͟hü How to pronounce fado (audio)
ˈfa-
plural fados
: a plaintive Portuguese folk song

Examples of fado 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.
At night, take in a traditional fado show. — Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026 Be sure to check out the brand's collaborations, including a recent one with fado singer Ana Moura. — Catarina Loureiro, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 May 2026 The neighborhoods of Alfama and Bairro Alto stay lively late into the night with fado music, good wine, and shared plates. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2025 In fact, its traditional Portuguese food and authentic fado shows have been thrilling visitors for over 85 years. — Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fado

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese, literally, fate, from Latin fatum

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fado was in 1890

Browse Nearby Words

FADM
fado
fady
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fado.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fado. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fado

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fado

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