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

• dulcetness
  noun
• dulcetly
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of dulcet

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

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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

See Examples For:

dulcet

In an era of great tenors McCormack alone had the superlative breath control, the honeyed sweetness and the ability to float notes at the top of the register with dulcet ease.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026

But on the eve of her 22nd birthday, Selines — who speaks in the same honeyed, dulcet tones she sings in — admits that she cringes at the sound of her own teen yearning.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 1, 2026

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

From New York Times ● Jul. 5, 2023

They might consider adding the dulcet tones of Robson to that list.

From BBC ● Apr. 23, 2023

Miss Riley asked in a dulcet voice I had never heard her use before.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam

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