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
• worship
• like

Examples of dote in a Sentence

doted on her only grandchild

Recent Examples on the Web

The siblings grew up in the lap of luxury, dressed in the finest silks, with doting courtiers catering to their every whim. —Charlie Campbell, Time, 26 June 2025

Excessive flattery of a doting father—who could prosecute this? —Nan Z. Da june 10, Literary Hub, 10 June 2025

Carmen Gayheart: animal lover, nursing student, doting mother Growing up in Fort Lauderdale, Carmen and Maria Tortora were sisters and best friends. —Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 8 June 2025

Margarita shares a special bond with her father, Avi - a doting Israeli who is a cantor at their local synagogue - ever since her mother, Marsha, abandoned the family. —Troy McMullen, ABC News, 8 June 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