dulcet

American  

[duhl-sit] / ˈdʌl sɪt /

adjective

1. pleasant to the ear; melodious.

   the dulcet tones of the cello.

   Synonyms:

   mellifluous, tuneful, musical

2. pleasant or agreeable to the eye or the feelings; soothing.

3. Archaic. sweet to the taste or smell.

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noun

1. an organ stop resembling the dulciana but an octave higher.

dulcet British  

/ ˈdʌlsɪt /

adjective

1. (of a sound) soothing or pleasant; sweet

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Other Word Forms

• dulcetly adverb
• dulcetness noun

Etymology

Origin of dulcet

1350–1400; obsolete dulce (< Latin, neuter of dulcis sweet) + -et; replacing Middle English doucet < Middle French; douce

Explanation

Use the adjective dulcet to describe a sound that is soothing and soft, like the dulcet harmonies in a 70s pop song or the dulcet tones of a harp. The word dulcet worked its way into English by way of the French word doucet, which is related to the word doux, meaning “sweet.” Originally applied to anything sweet or pleasing, such as something that tastes sweet or a sweet glance from a stranger, nowadays the word is most often used to describe sounds that are gentle and melodious — sweet sounds.

Example Sentences

But I’m gonna throw on the guitarist/composer Jeff Parker’s dulcet, winning “Max Brown.”

From New York Times • Jul. 5, 2023

Then, the dulcet tones of the nanny reading a book.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2023

Lot of raisins, dulcet plum and dry fruits, with caramel on the finish.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 15, 2022

The dulcet tones of bagpipes may not be everyone's idea of a perfect awakening, but for King Charles it is part of a centuries-old morning ritual.

From BBC • Oct. 26, 2022

“Plenty of time, dulcet darling, now don’t worry yourself.”

From "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman