plural dopes
informal
1
: an illegal drug (such as marijuana or heroin)
They were caught smoking dope.
a dope addict/dealer
2
: a stupid or annoying person
What a dope he is.
3
: information about someone or something that is not commonly or immediately known
What's the dope [=skinny, scoop] on the new guy? [=what do you know about him?]
The magazine claims to have the inside dope [=information known only by those involved] on her new romance.
Give me the straight dope on it. [=tell me the truth about it]
dopes; doped; doping
informal
1
: to give a drug to (a person or animal) especially to cause unconsciousness
They tried to dope him.
—often used as (be) dopedShe was doped and kidnapped.
2
: to put a drug in (something, such as food or a drink) to make a person or animal unconscious
They doped his food.
—often used as (be) dopedShe began to feel sleepy and suspected that her drink had been doped.
US slang
: great or excellent
That movie was so dope.
Check out this dope new song.
Cite this Entry
“Dope.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/dope. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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