dote

verb

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 adverb

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.
The boy runs away, later sneaking into Eli’s house through the dog door; Eli in turn follows the child, whose name is Noah (Jacobi Jupe) back to the apartment of his doting foster mother, Denise (Rosie Perez). Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024 The stylish pair — who have been romantically linked since November 2022 — also stuck together as Cher chatted with one of the pre-show hosts, Olivia Culpo, holding hands as the singer’s responses prompted smiles from her doting boyfriend. Bailey Richards, People.com, 16 Oct. 2024 My Darlings is described as a satirical thriller that centers on Eloise Williams, an interior designer, doting wife and mother, and queen bee of her social circle — who is also a serial killer. Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Oct. 2024 Although Grey’s Anatomy’s Sydney is a lot, would the residents really prefer to be yelled at than doted on? Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 27 Sep. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near dote

Cite this Entry

“Dote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dote. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

dote

verb
doted; doting
: to be excessive in one's attention or fondness
usually used with on
doted on their grandchild
dotingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on dote

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!