dulcinea

American  

[duhl-sin-ee-uh, duhl-suh-nee-uh] / dʌlˈsɪn i ə, ˌdʌl səˈni ə /

noun

1. a ladylove; sweetheart.

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dulcinea British  

/ ˌdʌlsɪˈnɪə /

noun

1. a man's sweetheart

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Etymology

Origin of dulcinea

First recorded in 1740–50; after Dulcinea the ladylove of Don Quixote

Example Sentences

It would be a flagrant breach of etiquette for the lover to be admitted to the parlor, so he takes his place on one side of the grating, his dulcinea posting herself on the other.

From With the World's Great Travellers, Volume 3 by Various

Sir C. Namely, that this dulcinea has started up in the shape of Miss Alscrip's musical companion—Her name is Alton.

From The Heiress; a comedy, in five acts by Burgoyne, John

"Listen, then," said Don Quixote, "this is what I have written ":— don quixote's letter to dulcinea del toboso.

From Wit and Wisdom of Don Quixote by Cervantes Saavedra, Miguel de

Sometimes one hears the sound of the drum and the dulcinea, a pipe played with one hand, and used to provide music for village dances in many parts of Spain.

From The Story of Seville by Hartley, C. Gasquoine (Catherine Gasquoine)

I am just going to ride, and shall make it in my way to call and inquire after the health of my dulcinea.

From The Coquette The History of Eliza Wharton by Foster, Hannah Webster