doted; doting
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
dot·er
variants
or less commonly doater
ˈdōtə(r),
-ōtə-
plural -s
1
: a person who exhibits the mental decline of or like that of old age : dotard
2
: one that is foolishly or excessively fond
a doter on fried clams
Cite this Entry
“Dote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dote. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.
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