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 of dote

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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.
Now that little girl is all grown up with two children of her own, and the next chapter in Straker's life will be that of doting grandfather. — Suzanne Le Mignot, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 In reality, a doting manager or eagle-eyed boss won’t be the ones propelling their careers. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026 In the new film, some poignant help comes from the memories of his Aunt May, long a doting figure for Peter. — Ken Makin, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Aug. 2026 Back in 2022, while speaking with Elle about her new Good American collection Pop Off Pink, the doting mom also talked about her love for being a mom of two. — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026 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

dot-commer
dote
do tell
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Cite this Entry

“Dote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dote. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on dote

Nglish: Translation of dote for Spanish Speakers

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