Dole out
verb
To give or distribute something to a person or group, typically in careful or limited amounts.
The charity organization doled out food and clothes to the flood victims.

Often appears as...
- dole out punishment
- dole out money
verb
To assign or designate something to someone, such as a task or responsibility.
The teacher doled out the assignments to the students.

Often appears as...
- dole out chores
- dole out duties
Usage tips
Academic
verb
To give something to someone, especially in an unfair or discriminatory manner.
The company was criticized for dole out promotions based on favoritism.

Often appears as...
- dole out favors
- dole out advantages
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To give or distribute something to a person or group, typically in careful or limited amounts.
The charity organization doled out food and clothes to the flood victims.

Often appears as...
- dole out punishment
- dole out money
verb
To assign or designate something to someone, such as a task or responsibility.
The teacher doled out the assignments to the students.

Often appears as...
- dole out chores
- dole out duties
Usage tips
Academic
verb
To give something to someone, especially in an unfair or discriminatory manner.
The company was criticized for dole out promotions based on favoritism.

Often appears as...
- dole out favors
- dole out advantages
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 3

Measured Distribution
Use 'dole out' to describe giving limited resources carefully to ensure everyone receives a share.

The rescue team doled out blankets to the shivering survivors.
Charity and Aid
'Dole out' is often used when talking about aid given by charities or in times of need.

Nonprofits doled out aid to the underprivileged families during the crisis.
Emergency Situations
This phrase is common in contexts of emergency where resources are scarce and need rationing.

After the earthquake, volunteers doled out water bottles to the affected community.
Measured Distribution
Use 'dole out' to describe giving limited resources carefully to ensure everyone receives a share.

The rescue team doled out blankets to the shivering survivors.
Charity and Aid
'Dole out' is often used when talking about aid given by charities or in times of need.

Nonprofits doled out aid to the underprivileged families during the crisis.
Emergency Situations
This phrase is common in contexts of emergency where resources are scarce and need rationing.

After the earthquake, volunteers doled out water bottles to the affected community.
Measured Distribution
Use 'dole out' to describe giving limited resources carefully to ensure everyone receives a share.

The rescue team doled out blankets to the shivering survivors.
Charity and Aid
'Dole out' is often used when talking about aid given by charities or in times of need.

Nonprofits doled out aid to the underprivileged families during the crisis.
Emergency Situations
This phrase is common in contexts of emergency where resources are scarce and need rationing.

After the earthquake, volunteers doled out water bottles to the affected community.
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension