adj
dotty
DO-tee
Dotty (adj) means Mildly eccentric or confused, especially due to old age. Example: “Her dotty old uncle kept forgetting where he'd put his glasses.”
adj
1
Mildly eccentric or confused, especially due to old age.
"Her dotty old uncle kept forgetting where he'd put his glasses."
2
Covered with many dots.
"Look at the dotty pattern on that cheetah's fur."
"The curtains had a dotty pattern in pastel colors."
How to use dotty
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA gentle, slightly affectionate word for someone who's a bit scatterbrained or eccentric, often used of the elderly.
When to use it
Mostly British and informal.
Common pairings
dotty old man
a bit dotty
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Word forms
- Plural
- dotties
- Comparative
- dottier
- Superlative
- dottiest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her _____ old uncle kept forgetting where he'd put his glasses.
Etymology
Related to "dote" (in its "senile" sense); compare "totty," meaning unsteady or dizzy.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for dotty
See all rhymes for dotty →Frequently asked questions
What does “dotty” mean?
The word “dotty” means mildly eccentric or confused, especially due to old age. In plain terms, a gentle, slightly affectionate word for someone who's a bit scatterbrained or eccentric, often used of the elderly.
How do you pronounce “dotty”?
“Dotty” is pronounced DO-tee (/ˈdɑ.ti/ in IPA).
How do you use “dotty” in a sentence?
Here is “dotty” used in a sentence: “Her dotty old uncle kept forgetting where he'd put his glasses.”
What part of speech is “dotty”?
“Dotty” is an adjective.
How many meanings does “dotty” have?
“Dotty” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: mildly eccentric or confused, especially due to old age.
