dulcinea

[ duhl-sin-ee-uh, duhl-suh-nee-uh ]

noun

1. a ladylove; sweetheart.

dulcinea

/ ˌdʌlsɪˈnɪə /

noun

1. a man's sweetheart

Word History and Origins

Origin of dulcinea¹

First recorded in 1740–50; after Dulcinea the ladylove of Don Quixote

Word History and Origins

Origin of dulcinea¹

C18: from the name of Don Quixote's mistress Dulcinea del Toboso in Cervantes' novel; from Spanish dulce sweet

Example Sentences

Sometimes one hears the sound of the drum and the dulcinea, a pipe played with one hand, and used to provide music for village dances in many parts of Spain.

From Project Gutenberg

Their dulcineas, “Healthful and strong, full as the summer rose Blown by prevailing suns,” displayed the vigour of youth and Wales, and possessed decided points of feminine attraction. 

From Project Gutenberg

Sir C. Namely, that this dulcinea has started up in the shape of Miss Alscrip's musical companion—Her name is Alton.

From Project Gutenberg

It would be a flagrant breach of etiquette for the lover to be admitted to the parlor, so he takes his place on one side of the grating, his dulcinea posting herself on the other.

From Project Gutenberg

It was what the king said to the queen, the prince to the princess, the duke to the lady, the gardener to the maid, the troubadour to his dulcinea.

From Project Gutenberg