dole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, slightly old-fashioned, especially as a verb. As a noun (benefit) it is common in news and political contexts.
Quick answer
What does “dole” mean?
A government benefit paid regularly to people who are unemployed or otherwise in need.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A government benefit paid regularly to people who are unemployed or otherwise in need.
To distribute something, often in limited portions; a share or portion of something, especially one that is meager or charitable.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'the dole' is a common, though somewhat informal, term for unemployment benefits. In the US, 'dole' is less commonly used for this purpose; 'unemployment (benefits)' or 'welfare' are standard. The verb 'dole out' is used in both varieties.
Connotations
UK: Can carry neutral or slightly negative connotations of state dependency. US: The noun is less frequent and can sound dated or specifically refer to historical contexts like the 'Dole' fruit company.
Frequency
Much more frequent in UK English than in US English for the 'unemployment benefit' sense.
Grammar
How to Use “dole” in a Sentence
[Verb] dole something out (to somebody)[Noun] be on the doleVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dole” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The teacher will dole out the textbooks at the start of class.
- The council doles out grants to local charities.
American English
- She doled out advice to all the new interns.
- The charity doled food and supplies to the victims.
adverb
British English
- N/A (No standard adverb form.)
American English
- N/A (No standard adverb form.)
adjective
British English
- N/A (Not standard as an adjective. 'Doleful' is a different word.)
American English
- N/A (Not standard as an adjective. 'Doleful' is a different word.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in discussions of labor markets or government policy.
Academic
Used in sociology, economics, or political science when discussing welfare states and unemployment.
Everyday
Common in UK everyday speech regarding unemployment. Verb 'dole out' is used generally.
Technical
Not typically a technical term; legal/financial documents use specific terms like 'Jobseeker's Allowance' (UK).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dole”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dole”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dole”
- Using 'dole' as a countable noun for a single payment (e.g., 'I received a dole' is incorrect). Confusing 'dole' (benefit) with 'dole' (sorrow, as in 'doleful').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is often neutral but can have negative connotations, implying dependency or a meager handout, especially in phrases like 'dole bludger' or when the verb 'dole out' suggests grudging distribution.
Yes, but primarily as a verb ('dole out'). Using 'the dole' for unemployment benefits will be understood but sounds distinctly British to American ears.
'Dole' specifically refers to unemployment payments. 'Welfare' (especially in US English) is a broader term for various government assistance programs, which may include unemployment benefits but also food stamps, housing aid, etc.
No, it is common in everyday speech and journalism but is considered informal or colloquial. In formal writing, terms like 'receiving unemployment benefit' or 'unemployed' are preferred.
A government benefit paid regularly to people who are unemployed or otherwise in need.
Dole: in British English it is pronounced /dəʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /doʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the dole”
- “dole out”
- “dole bludger (Aus/NZ pejorative)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BOWL of soup given to the poor—a DOLE is a portion handed out.
Conceptual Metaphor
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT IS A LIMITED RESOURCE TO BE METED OUT.
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the noun 'dole' (meaning unemployment benefit) most commonly used?