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.
Pryor is being remembered by his family as a doting father to his 2-year-old daughter, Honey, per FOX59. Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025 This is also the same Bow Wow who had women of all ages swooning over his crisp braids, Colgate smile and doting demeanor before his 18th birthday. Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 15 Apr. 2025 In one photo with Hailey, 28, and Jack, the doting dad appeared to make sure the face of his newborn boy, who was swaddled in a lime green onesie, wasn't visible. Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025 In his native New York City, Joe is in his element — with a few million extra — sending his son Henry to private school and generally being a doting husband. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 24 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dote. Accessed 14 May. 2025.

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
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