dote

verb

ˈdōt How to pronounce dote (audio)
doted; doting

intransitive verb

1
: to exhibit mental decline of or like that of old age : be in one's dotage
2
: to be lavish or excessive in one's attention, fondness, or affection
—usually used with on
doted on her only grandchild
doter noun
dotingly
ˈdō-tiŋ-lē How to pronounce dote (audio)
adverb

Synonyms

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Examples of dote in a Sentence

doted on her only grandchild
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.
This approach flirts with sketch comedy stretched beyond its natural limits, but is fully validated in the form of Poorna Jagannathan’s Auntie Lucky, the Dars’ doting family friend who turns out to be a cold-blooded queenpin. — Alison Herman, Variety, 6 Mar. 2025 Americans are deeply invested in the idea of childhood as a time of innocence, with kids protected by doting adults from the harsh realities of work and making ends meet. — Anna Mae Duane, The Conversation, 5 Mar. 2025 First class on the Qantas Airbus A380 is a showy affair, equipped with high-end champagne and meals, fancy amenity kits, and doting service. — Chris Dong, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2025 Julie Andrews was just as doting in real life on the set of The Sound of Music as her governess character Maria, according to her young costars. — Jen Juneau, People.com, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dote

Word History

Etymology

Middle English; akin to Middle Low German dotten to be foolish

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dote was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing dote

Rhymes for dote

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Browse Nearby Words

dote
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Cite this Entry

“Dote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dote. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

dote

verb
ˈdōt How to pronounce dote (audio)
doted; doting
: to be excessive in one's attention or fondness
—usually used with on
doted on their grandchild
dotingly
ˈdōt-iŋ-lē How to pronounce dote (audio)
adverb

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Nglish: Translation of dote for Spanish Speakers

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