maudlin

UK: /ˈmɔːdlɪn/ US: /ˈmɔdlɪn/ ,(môd′lin)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

maud•lin /ˈmɔdlɪn/   adj. 

1. embarrassingly sentimental or foolishly sad:
   a maudlin story about a lost dog.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

maud•lin  (môd′lin), adj. 

1. tearfully or weakly emotional;
   foolishly sentimental:
   a maudlin story of a little orphan and her lost dog.
2. foolishly or mawkishly sentimental because of drunkenness.

• Greek Magdalēné̄ Mary Magdalene, portrayed in art as a weeping penitent
• special use of Maudlin, Middle English Maudelen Late Latin Magdalēnē 1500–10

maud′lin•ism, n. 
maud′lin•ly, adv. 
maud′lin•ness, n. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

maudlin / ˈmɔːdlɪn/ adjective

1. foolishly tearful or sentimental, as when drunk

Etymology: 17th Century: from Middle English Maudelen Mary Magdalene, typically portrayed as a tearful penitent