doddering

adjective

dod·​der·​ing ˈdä-d(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce doddering (audio)
: showing or involving a loss of physical or cognitive abilities in old age
her doddering uncle
as we approach our doddering years
often used disparagingly in phrases like a doddering old fool

Examples of doddering 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.
Tokarczuk presents her doddering old narrator as an essentially righteous avenger, cutting down those despoilers of the earth whom the vegetarian author abhors. Robert Rubsam, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2024 As the doddering Gus the Theatre Cat, McKellen easily outshone his younger co-stars, who included Taylor Swift and Jennifer Hudson. Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 13 Sep. 2024 His Dragon capsule will retrieve astronauts stranded on the International Space Station by his doddering space competitor, Boeing, NASA announced in August. Daniel Vergano, Scientific American, 13 Sep. 2024 In July, Harris was an awkward but loyal soldier in a doddering administration. Matthew Continetti, National Review, 7 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for doddering 

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of doddering was in 1871

Dictionary Entries Near doddering

Cite this Entry

“Doddering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doddering. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

doddering

adjective
: showing signs of old age

More from Merriam-Webster on doddering

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