doily

noun

doi·​ly ˈdȯi-lē How to pronounce doily (audio)
plural doilies
1
: a small napkin
2
: a small often decorative mat

Examples of doily in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hearts are a signature motif in the collections, a symbol of LGBTQIA+ rights and feminism, common themes, love for the planet through reclaiming old materials such as doilies and transforming them into something new, and love for Made in Italy. Olivia Pinnock, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025 On top of the doily was a gold flower pin with diamonds. Raven Brunner, People.com, 20 Aug. 2025 And Tuesday is the deadline to register for Kayla Earnest’s Cozy Crochet Creations, a workshop in which participants can learn the basics of stitching while creating coasters and delicate doilies, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 16 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 6 Aug. 2025 Furniture and decorations interspersed throughout the space — doilies, laminated wood cabinets and plastic chairs — evoke the sensation of traveling back in time. Valeriya Safronova, New York Times, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for doily

Word History

Etymology

Doily or Doyley flourished 1711 London draper

First Known Use

1711, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of doily was in 1711

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Doily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doily. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

doily

noun
doi·​ly ˈdȯi-lē How to pronounce doily (audio)
plural doilies
1
: a small napkin
2
: a small often decorative cloth or paper used to protect the surface of furniture

More from Merriam-Webster on doily

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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