- 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.
maudlin
adjective
- foolishly and tearfully or weakly sentimental
- tearfully sentimental from too much liquor
Origin of maudlin
after Maudlin, Magdalene ; from Middle English Maudeleyne ; from Old French Madeleine: Magdalene was often represented with eyes red from weepingmaudlin
adjective
Effusively sad or full of self-pity; extremely sentimental: “displayed an almost maudlin concern for the welfare of animals” (Aldous Huxley). See Synonyms at sentimental.
Origin of maudlin
Alteration of (Mary) Magdalene, who was frequently depicted as a tearful penitent.Related Forms:
- maud′lin·ly
adverb
- maud′lin·ness
noun
maudlin
Noun
(plural maudlins)
Adjective
(comparative more maudlin, superlative most maudlin)
- Affectionate or sentimental in an effusive, tearful, or foolish manner, especially because of drunkenness. [from 17th c.]
- Extravagantly or excessively sentimental; mawkish, self-pitying. [from 17th c.]
Anagrams
- indlamu
Origin
Middle English form of Mary Magdalene (typically depicted weeping), ultimately from Late Latin Magdalena.
