Sudo is a command-line utility in Unix-like operating systems that allows a permitted user to execute a command as the superuser or another user. The name "sudo" stands for "superuser do," and it is commonly used to perform administrative tasks that require higher privileges than those of a regular user. By using sudo, users can run commands without needing to log in as the superuser, enhancing security and accountability. It also allows system administrators to grant specific permissions to users, enabling them to perform certain tasks without giving full access to the system.