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

Charles is a modern man for the times, one who dotes on his wife and children. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 July 2026

On Thursday, July 2, the doting mom shared a special tribute post on Instagram celebrating her daughter Cricket's 13th birthday. — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

In Truth or Consequences, locals celebrated his Hollywood success like doting parents rooting for their golden boy. — Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

Nick, desperate to return to the present, shirks the doting parents and brother who long to comfort him. — Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 17 June 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