dotty

[ dot-ee ]

/ ˈdɒt i /

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See synonyms for: dotty / dottiness on Thesaurus.com

adjective, dot·ti·er, dot·ti·est.Informal.

crazy or eccentric.

feeble or unsteady in gait.

very enthusiastic or infatuated (usually followed by about or over).

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of dotty

1805–15; perhaps dott(ard) variant of dotard + -y¹

OTHER WORDS FROM dotty

dot·ti·ly, adverbdot·ti·ness, noun

Words nearby dotty

dotted line, dotterel, dot the i's and cross the t's, Dottie, dottle, dotty, doty, Dou, Douai, Douala, douane

Other definitions for dotty (2 of 2)

dotty²

[ dot-ee ]

/ ˈdɒt i /

adjective, dot·ti·er, dot·ti·est.

marked with dots; dotted.

Origin of dotty

First recorded in 1805–15; dot¹ + -y¹

OTHER WORDS FROM dotty

dot·ti·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use dotty in a sentence

Just the dotty ones are left or those whose abilities have greatly diminished…No one wants to leave anymore.
Joy Williams’s ‘Harrow’ Takes a Jab at Climate Activism|smurguia|December 14, 2021|Outside Online
Gustav would later describe his ex-wife, quite accurately, as “dotty, romantic, and forever craving change.”
World War II’s Most Glamorous Spy: Christine Granville|Emma Garman|July 7, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Despite his too-dotty-to-lie persona, Ron Paul is not in fact on the level.
Ron Paul: Still a Bunco Artist|David Frum|January 11, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Abdul either provides heart or functions as the dotty aunt at the family picnic, depending on your point of view.
Calling Paula's Bluff|Kim Masters|August 5, 2009|DAILY BEAST

Judge Leslie is dotty on that subject, and so are a good many of the other old fossils of Rosewater.
Ancestors|Gertrude Atherton
Dotty unrolled herself from the curtain with a triumphant smile.
Prudy Keeping House|Sophie May
Dotty tried to think there might be time enough, after all, to find the rings.
Prudy Keeping House|Sophie May
At the mention of rings, Dotty blushed, and stole a glance at Mrs. Allen.
Prudy Keeping House|Sophie May
Why, Dotty, I've excused you to Mrs. Pragoff, and it wouldn't be polite to go now.
Prudy Keeping House|Sophie May

British Dictionary definitions for dotty

dotty

/ (ˈdɒtɪ) /

adjective -tier or -tiest

slang, mainly British feeble-minded; slightly crazy

British slang (foll by about) extremely fond (of)

marked with dots

Derived forms of dotty

dottily, adverbdottiness, noun

Word Origin for dotty

C19: from dot 1 : sense development of 1 from meaning of "unsteady on one's feet"

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

dotty

Origin of dotty

OTHER WORDS FROM dotty

Words nearby dotty

Other definitions for dotty (2 of 2)

Origin of dotty

OTHER WORDS FROM dotty

Words related to dotty

How to use dotty in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for dotty

Derived forms of dotty

Word Origin for dotty