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.
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
That doleful mood pervades these interpretations: a sadly beautiful tone; an emotional climax that evaporates rather than reaching a resolution; a heartbreakingly simple plunk of high keys.
From New York Times • Jan. 25, 2024
A doleful, almost ambient score by Zviad Mgebry lends to the poignant tone and patient pace.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2023
Shouldn’t all movies feature a disillusioned astrophysicist, particularly one as charmingly doleful as Stanfield’s character?
From Seattle Times • Jul. 25, 2023
He argued, not unsuccessfully, that the Earth was best described by that single doleful word.
From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan
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.
