1 B2 neutral
To give out food, money, or aid in small or limited amounts.
"Aid workers were doling out rations to the families in the refugee camp."
separable
dole out
B2 neutral separable transitive
To distribute or give out something in small portions, often reluctantly or in a controlled manner.
In plain English
To give out small amounts of something to people, usually carefully or without much enthusiasm.
What does "dole out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To give out advice, criticism, or punishment, sometimes in a controlled or reluctant way.
"The judge doled out stiff sentences to all four defendants."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To give out like welfare (dole) payments — in small, controlled portions.
Actually means
To give out small amounts of something to people, usually carefully or without much enthusiasm.
Usage tip
Derived from 'dole' (welfare payment). Often implies giving small, measured amounts, sometimes reluctantly. Can be used for money, food, information, or punishment. Common in journalism and political writing.
Words that pair with "dole out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
money food aid advice punishment information
How to conjugate "dole out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
dole out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
doles out
he/she/it
Past simple
doled out
yesterday
Past participle
doled out
have + pp
-ing form
doling out
continuous
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