doting

[doh-ting]

adjective

1. excessively fond.

   doting parents.

2. showing a decline of mental faculties, especially associated with old age; weak-minded; senile.

Other Word Forms

• dotingly adverb
• dotingness noun
• undoting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of doting¹

First recorded in 1480–90; dote + -ing ²

Example Sentences

We’re introduced to him not as a thief, but as a doting father who wakes at the crack of dawn, tenderly lays his son in bed next to his sister, and heads off to work.

From Salon

They noted that such tokens of affection didn't erase motive - after all, a "doting mother" can also be a "suspicious wife," they said.

From BBC

A doting father, her husband was often the one to put the baby to bed.

From Los Angeles Times

It is one of many happy memories that he will hold on to in the next chapter of his life, to be spent travelling with his wife and doting on their six grandchildren.

From BBC

“George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him,” the statement read.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adoring www.thesaurus.com
• affectionate 
• loving