doll

play

noun \ ˈdäl , ˈdȯl \

Definition of doll

1 :a small-scale figure of a human being used especially as a child's plaything

2 a (1) :a pretty but often empty-headed young woman

(2) :woman

b :darling, sweetheart

c :an attractive person

—

dollish

play \ˈdä-lish, ˈdȯ-\ adjective

—

dollishly

adverb

—

dollishness

noun

See doll defined for English-language learners

See doll defined for kids

Examples of doll in a Sentence

My aunt collects porcelain dolls.
there was a row of dolls along the shelf in the bedroom

Recent Examples of doll from the Web

Annabelle: Creation R The doll maker and his wife lost their child, but the newest Annabelle will target a visiting nun and a group of orphan girls.

— guy hanford, Ramona Sentinel, "Flickers: Bruce Lee challenges kung fu master in 'Birth of the Dragon'," 25 Aug. 2017
Left tackle Tyron Smith returned to practice and left no doubt that his back was fine by tossing defensive tackle Maliek Collins like a rag doll on back-to-back plays in team drills.

— clarence e. hill jr., star-telegram, "Elliott still running with starters; Prescott displays competitive fire," 14 Aug. 2017
And her hair, kept in pristine gold ringlets, was the perfect final touch for her overall doll-like look.

— erica gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Beyoncé Looks ***Flawless on a Casual Date with JAY-Z," 3 Aug. 2017
Some pointed out that Pickle is Mike Pence’s cat’s name, while others recalled a New York Post story that describes Donald Jr.’s childhood doll, Captain Pickle.

— claire landsbaum, The Cut, "The 9-Year-Old Boy Who Wrote Donald Trump a Fan Letter Is Reportedly Real," 28 July 2017
The Priests vocalist sported a dress fit for a punk-rock princess, reminiscent of Courtney Love's baby-doll look.

— isa giallorenzo, Chicago Reader, "Arts / Pitchfork Day One / Pitchfork Day Three / Pitchfork Day Two / Style Most stylish at Pitchfork 2017 who did not wear orange," 17 July 2017
Lifetime hit series takes stage with Miss D and her Dancing Dolls.

— rasputin todd, Cincinnati.com, "Things to do this week: July 17-23," 17 July 2017
A: My oldest joyful memories are of me writing songs and singing them to my dolls in my room.

— lisa deaderick, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Using her music to share her story and connect with others," 16 July 2017
His 4-year-old sister used to have nightmares and recoil in fear when her baby doll was left alone on the floor — signs her therapists say suggest memories of neglect.

— Washington Post, "How severe, ongoing stress can affect a child’s brain," 12 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'doll.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of doll

probably from Doll, nickname for Dorothy

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1700

See Words from the same year

doll Synonyms

Synonyms

action figure, dolly, poppet [Midland], puppet

Antonyms

dog

Related Words

rag doll; figure, figurine; handpuppet, marionette

DOLL Defined for English Language Learners

doll

play

noun

Definition of doll for English Language Learners

: a child's toy in the form of a baby or small person
: a kind and helpful person
: a woman; especially : an attractive woman

DOLL Defined for Kids

doll

play

noun \ ˈdäl \

Definition of doll for Students

1 :a child's toy in the form of a baby or small person

2 :a kind or loveable person

Learn More about doll

See words that rhyme with doll Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for doll Spanish Central: Translation of doll Nglish: Translation of doll for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of doll for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about doll

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up doll? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

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doll

Definition of doll

dollish

dollishly

dollishness

From the M-W Editors

Examples of doll in a Sentence

Recent Examples of doll from the Web

Origin and Etymology of doll

doll Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

DOLL Defined for English Language Learners

doll

Definition of doll for English Language Learners

DOLL Defined for Kids

doll

Definition of doll for Students

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Seen and Heard

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