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

Recent Examples on the Web After 16 days of receiving doting care at APA, Meter Maid gave birth to 11 puppies. Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 8 Mar. 2024 That project involves the young woman’s infiltration of the Cap Ferret compound of Edouard, a duplicitous former Russian general and doting family man. Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2024 As the youngest child, he was often doted on by his sisters. Caitlyn Freeman, Baltimore Sun, 5 Feb. 2024 Dotson was a longtime auto mechanic and a doting family man, his wife said. Phil Helsel, NBC News, 31 Jan. 2024 The young man grew up spending a lot of time with his maternal grandma, who doted after him. Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 19 Jan. 2024 During the trial, Crumbley portrayed herself as a doting mother who wasn't aware of her son's serious mental health issues and said the responsibility to secure the gun belonged to her husband, James, who faces trial next month. Kayla Jimenez, The Courier-Journal, 23 Feb. 2024 That award signified their gradual re-embrace by a local industry that had once spurned them, toward an uncontested master status that this bright, doting documentary underlines. Guy Lodge, Variety, 21 Feb. 2024 Through it all, Parramore continues to make time to be a doting mother to her daughter Samiyah Lynnice, a 27-year-old professional dancer, and music producer son Justin Bryant, 22, while working to remain humble and help others reach their dreams. Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 16 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dote.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near dote

Cite this Entry

“Dote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dote. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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

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