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.
Their journey of friendship and rivalry is the emotional core of a story that is startlingly political, a leap made effectively by Jeff Goldblum’s dodgy, smarmy and doddering Wizard, who’s ably assisted by the darkly dangerous aide de camp Michelle Yeoh. Steven Gaydos, Variety, 16 Dec. 2024 Once upon a time, a doddering old man spoke of a dream about a united city in this empire’s capital, where every man, woman, and child could walk its streets and live a good life regardless of their patrician or plebeian birthright. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 22 Nov. 2024 That’s when Broadbent’s whimsical eyes take over, splitting the difference between doddering old coot and magical elf. Katie Rife, Vulture, 16 Nov. 2024 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 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 26 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

doddering

adjective
: showing signs of old age

More from Merriam-Webster on doddering

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!