dole

The word "dole" began as the idea of a share or a gift given to someone. Today, it is most often used for money or support given by the government to people who are out of work or have very little income, especially in British English. You may hear someone say, "He's been on the dole for years." The word can sound informal or slightly critical, depending on the speaker. It also appears in the phrase "dole out," which means to give something out little by little.

"Dole" is an old word with roots in Old English, where it meant a portion or share. At first, it referred to something given out, such as food, money, or another kind of help for people in need. Over time, one important modern meaning developed, especially in British English: regular money from the government for people who are unemployed or living on a very low income.

Today, "the dole" often means unemployment benefits or public assistance. This use is common in everyday speech and in news or political talk, and it can sometimes sound dismissive or judgmental, though not always. A sentence like "She's been on the dole since losing her job" refers to receiving government support. In older or broader use, the noun can still mean a share that is given out.

The related phrase "dole out" is also very common. It means to give something out in small amounts, one piece at a time, and sometimes with a sense of control or reluctance. For example, a teacher might dole out candy to students, or a manager might dole out praise very slowly. In American English, people more often say "welfare," "benefits," or "public assistance" for the government-support meaning, but "dole" is still widely understood. Overall, the word carries the idea of something being given out, whether that is a share of food, a small amount of something, or state support for people who need it.