dote

verb

ˈdōt 

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 

adverb

Synonyms

• adore
• adulate
• canonize
• deify
• hero-worship
• idolize
• worship

Examples of dote in a Sentence

doted on her only grandchild

Recent Examples on the Web

King noted that the United crew was also extremely personable and doted on the couple. —Chris Dong, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2025

Now, Walter is still hanging around Misty, doting on her and generally just being a great (yet super-creepy) dude. —Erin Qualey, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2025

These aren’t just hollow stock characters that exist to dote on the player, but living and breathing pieces of the Living Lands. —Hayes Madsen, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 2025

When Gallagher gave birth to her son, Brian, Connell doted on her younger brother, nearly eight years her junior. —Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 17 Feb. 2025

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

Phrases Containing dote

• dote on/upon

Rhymes for dote

• bloat
• boat
• choate
• coat
• cote
• float
• gloat
• goat
• groat
• haute
• moat
• mote

Kids Definition

dote

verb

ˈdōt 

doted; doting

: to be excessive in one's attention or fondness

—usually used with on

doted on their grandchild

dotingly

ˈdōt-iŋ-lē 

adverb