- The definition of maudlin is someone who is overly sentimental, often in a tearful way or as a result of consuming alcohol.
An example of someone who would be described as maudlin is a person who has had a few drinks and is now tearfully weepy about her lost loves.
adjective
- foolishly and tearfully or weakly sentimental
- tearfully sentimental from too much liquor
Origin: after Maudlin, Magdalene from Middle English Maudeleyne from Old French Madeleine: Magdalene was often represented with eyes red from weeping
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
adjective
Effusively or tearfully sentimental: “displayed an almost maudlin concern for the welfare of animals” (Aldous Huxley). See Synonyms at sentimental.
Origin: Alteration of (Mary) Magdalene, who was frequently depicted as a tearful penitent.
Related Forms:
- maudˈlin·ly adverb
- maudˈlin·ness noun