doleful
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
- dolefully adverb
- dolefulness noun
Etymology
Origin of doleful
First recorded in 1225–75, doleful is from the Middle English word dol-ful. See dole 2, -ful
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
With his doleful singing voice and a prolific work rate, he's transformed the sound of música urbana, combining elements of trap, hip-hop and R&B with the traditional sounds of Latin pop.
From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026
When no one is around, the doleful ex-judge listens to Italian gangsta rap, and sometimes even raps along with it, suggesting he isn’t quite the stereotype others assume him to be.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025
She was among about 200 mourners accompanying Alanis García on his doleful final journey through his hometown.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 28, 2025
As Hagen, the production’s linchpin, the bass Mika Kares, a newcomer to the cast, was most memorable: aggressive and doleful, stony and agonized, shambling around the set like the overgrown child he is.
From New York Times • Aug. 1, 2023
Children sitting in twos and threes look up with doleful eyes as I pass.
From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
