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

doted on her only grandchild
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.
In the video, which the Crown Prince, 30, shared to his Instagram Stories, Iman sits in his lap and claps her hands as the doting dad watches on and smiles. Greta Bjornson, People.com, 6 June 2025 Crime and arson experts were investigating Monday after a doting single dad and his two young sons died in a house fire in Goshen, N.Y., over the weekend. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 2 June 2025 That their team is viewed as unimportant by a league that dotes on its glamour teams, and which never bestows upon Washington through its NBA Lottery the kind of difference-making player who can change the long-term fortunes of the franchise. David Aldridge, New York Times, 13 May 2025 Service at all meals at Raffles Sentosa was doting without being overly hovering, but Empire Grill—helmed by chef Bjoern Alexander—became a fun standout during sunsets. Cameron Sperance, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dote

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dote. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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