Doling Meaning in English

word · lemma: dole

US

UK

Definition

Giving out something, especially money or food, in small amounts, usually to several people.

Usage & Nuances

Often followed by 'out' ('doling out'). Typical in contexts of charity, aid, or distributing resources, sometimes with a sense of doing so reluctantly or piece by piece. More formal or written; not used for giving large amounts.

• Spanish: repartir - distribuir (pequeñas cantidades)
• Portuguese (BR): dar aos poucos - distribuir (quantidades pequenas)
• Portuguese (PT): dar aos poucos - distribuir (quantidades pequenas)
• Chinese (Simplified): 发放（少量，分发）
• Chinese (Traditional): 發放（少量，分發）
• Hindi: थोड़ा-थोड़ा बाँटना
• Arabic: توزيع (بكميات قليلة)
• Bengali: বণ্টন করা - বিতরণ করা
• Russian: раздавать - выдавать (по чуть-чуть)
• Japanese: 分け与える - 配る
• Vietnamese: phân phát - phát nhỏ lẻ
• Korean: 나누어 주다 - 조금씩 나눠주다
• Turkish: dağıtmak (az miktarda)
• Urdu: تقسیم کرنا - تھوڑا تھوڑا بانٹنا
• Indonesian: membagikan - membagi-bagikan

Example Sentences

The teacher is doling candies to the children.

basic

He was doling food to the people in line.

basic

She is doling out advice to her friends.

basic

The charity keeps doling out small grants every month.

natural

I’m tired of my boss just doling out praise to his favorites.

natural

Instead of doling out orders, why not help us?

natural