Search Dictionary
Definition of dopey

dopey

/ˈdoʊ.pi/
do · pey
Adverb:dopily
JUMP TO:

dopey Lexical Profile

dopey Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Foolish, silly, or lacking good sense and mental sharpness (informal).

Example

"He stood there with a dopey grin on his face after realizing his mistake."

2

Stupefied, sluggish, or groggy, as if under the influence of sleep, medication, or a narcotic drug.

Example

"The antihistamine left him feeling too dopey to drive home safely."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for dopey
Antonyms
View all antonyms for dopey

• Rhymes for dopey

• Nearby Words

dope
dopehead
doper
dopey
dopeyness
dopily
dopiness

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 19th century from 'dope' plus the adjectival suffix '-y'. The root 'dope' originally borrowed from Dutch 'doop' (meaning a thick dipping sauce or gravy), which later evolved in American slang to refer to narcotic preparations and, by extension, someone rendered sluggish or foolish as if drugged.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Dopey. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/dopey
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.