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

Example Sentences

The San Francisco-based tech company said it was putting the voice known as “Sky” on a break after some people said it sounded similar to actor Scarlett Johansson’s dulcet tones in the acclaimed movie.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2024

The Dovetails, who have recorded two CDs, feature Gigot’s dulcet voice, and her songs, which are as fresh as farm eggs.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 16, 2023

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

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2023

“Warning Sign” is a hushed, hazy song that maps interpersonal tensions onto musical contrasts: quiet and loud, sustained and rhythmic, dulcet and distorted.

From New York Times • Mar. 24, 2023

A dulcet chorus of voices suddenly rose from the inside of the tent, beautiful and harmonic.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray