dotage

UK: /ˈdəʊtɪdʒ/ US: /ˈdoʊtɪdʒ/ ,(dō′tij)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

dot•age /ˈdoʊtɪdʒ/   n. [uncountable]

1. a decline or weakening of the mind esp. as associated with old age:
   In his dotage he didn't recognize me when I came to see him.
2. foolish affection;
   too much affection:
   his dotage on his grandchildren.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

dot•age  (dō′tij), n. 

1. a decline of mental faculties, esp. as associated with old age;
   senility.
2. excessive fondness;
   foolish affection.

• 1300–50; Middle English; see dote, -age

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

dotage / ˈdəʊtɪdʒ/ noun

1. a period of decreased mental functioning, esp as a result of old age
2. foolish infatuation

Etymology: 14th Century: from dote + -age