adj
maudlin
MAWD-lihn
Maudlin (adj) means Excessively and foolishly sentimental or emotional, especially in a tearful way, often from drink. Example: “After a few drinks he always gets maudlin about his school days.”
adj
1
Excessively and foolishly sentimental or emotional, especially in a tearful way, often from drink.
"After a few drinks he always gets maudlin about his school days."
"The film's ending was maudlin rather than genuinely moving."
How to use maudlin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOverly and soppily emotional, often in a way that feels excessive or a bit pathetic.
Common mistake
Maudlin usually carries a slightly negative, mocking tone — it's not neutral like "sentimental" or "sad."
Common pairings
get maudlin
maudlin nostalgia
a maudlin song
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Word forms
- Plural
- maudlins
- Comparative
- more maudlin
- Superlative
- most maudlin
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
After a few drinks he always gets _____ about his school days.
Etymology
From "Magdalene" — Mary Magdalene was traditionally shown in art weeping, and her name (via French Madelaine) came to describe anyone tearfully sentimental.
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “maudlin” mean?
The word “maudlin” means excessively and foolishly sentimental or emotional, especially in a tearful way, often from drink. In plain terms, overly and soppily emotional, often in a way that feels excessive or a bit pathetic.
How do you pronounce “maudlin”?
“Maudlin” is pronounced MAWD-lihn (/ˈmɔːd.lɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “maudlin” in a sentence?
Here is “maudlin” used in a sentence: “After a few drinks he always gets maudlin about his school days.”
What part of speech is “maudlin”?
“Maudlin” is an adjective.
Where does the word “maudlin” come from?
The word “maudlin” comes from French. From "Magdalene" — Mary Magdalene was traditionally shown in art weeping, and her name (via French Madelaine) came to describe anyone tearfully sentimental.
