adj

dopey

DOH-pee

Dopey (adj) means Silly, slow-witted, or groggy, as if drugged or half asleep. Example: “He gave a dopey grin and forgot what he was saying.”

adj

Silly, slow-witted, or groggy, as if drugged or half asleep.

"He gave a dopey grin and forgot what he was saying."

"The medication left her feeling dopey all afternoon."

How to use dopey

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSluggish and a bit foolish-seeming, often from tiredness or medication.

Common pairings

dopey grin feel dopey

Word forms

dopier comparative, dopiest superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “dopey” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He gave a _____ grin and forgot what he was saying.

Etymology

From "dope" (in its "stupid person" sense) plus the adjective ending "-y."

Rhymes for dopey

key hey bey dey ley grey they joey whey obey prey abbey

See all rhymes for dopey →

Frequently asked questions

What does “dopey” mean?

The word “dopey” means silly, slow-witted, or groggy, as if drugged or half asleep. In plain terms, sluggish and a bit foolish-seeming, often from tiredness or medication.

How do you pronounce “dopey”?

“Dopey” is pronounced DOH-pee (/ˈdəʊpi/ in IPA).

How do you use “dopey” in a sentence?

Here is “dopey” used in a sentence: “He gave a dopey grin and forgot what he was saying.”

What part of speech is “dopey”?

“Dopey” is an adjective.