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 of dote

• adore
• worship
• like

Examples of dote in a Sentence

doted on her only grandchild

Recent Examples on the Web

Her bubbly and doting girlfriend Tess remains the only constant in the fog. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026

His parents and relatives dote on him, while his parents brag about his accomplishments to their friends. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026

Since the pair formed in 2018, fans have watched them weather freezing winter storms, incubate eggs and dote on fuzzy chicks. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026

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

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