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

Mary appears to be equally doted upon as an adult—this time by her husband, Joseph—in the scene of Jesus’s birth. — Artforum, 4 Nov. 2026

Kino arrives in town with doting boyfriend Kai (Tone Kaiya) in tow. — James Marsh, Variety, 3 Nov. 2026

The result is a near-perfect partner, who is doting and honest, and drives the villagers mad with envy — and inspires some nefarious actions from the likes of Elizabeth Debicki’s character, the tailor’s wife. — Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2026

Murky beginnings Growing up in Weston-super-Mare, Archer was doted on by his mother, who worked as a journalist on the local paper and sent him to Wellington School on a scholarship. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 17 Oct. 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