Dole

/doʊl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A distribution of food or money to the needy.

The charity organized a dole for the homeless in the community.

A share or portion of something.

He received his dole of the inheritance after his father passed away.

verb

To distribute or share out, especially food or money.

The volunteers will dole out meals to the families in need.

To waste time; to be idle.

He spent the afternoon doling about instead of studying for his exam.

Middle English 'dole', from Old English 'dola' meaning a portion or a part.

dole out

To distribute something in portions.

on the dole

Receiving government benefits or assistance.

dole queue

A line of people waiting to receive unemployment benefits.

donate

To give money or goods to help others.

charity

The voluntary giving of help, typically in the form of money.

Welfare benefits received.

He's on the dole, living off government payments.

A lazy or unproductive person.

Stop being such a dole and do something with your life.