1. government financial assistance given to unemployed people
Usage: British
2. a small portion or share given out
Usage: formal

1. to give out in small portions

Examples

• He’s been on the dole for six months since losing his job.
• The government increased dole payments to help struggling families.
• She received only a small dole of soup at the shelter.
• The charity doled out blankets to the homeless.
• They doled out candy to trick-or-treaters one piece at a time.
• The teacher doled out praise sparingly to motivate students.