doll
- pronunciation:
- dal
- parts of speech:
- noun, transitive verb & intransitive verb
- features:
- Word History, Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition 1: |
a small figure, often made of plastic or cloth, of a baby, child, or other person, used esp. as a child's toy.
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| definition 2: |
(informal) a person regarded with fondness, affection, or gratitude; sweetheart.
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| related words: |
marionette |
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| part of speech: |
transitive verb & intransitive verb |
| inflections: |
dolled, dolling, dolls |
| definition: |
(informal) to dress in a smart or showy manner as for a special event (usu. fol. by up).
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| related words: |
clothe |
| derivations: |
dollish (adj.), dollishly (adv.) |
Doll, a shortened form of the name Dorothy, came to be used as a general term of affection for a person or female pet in the 1500s. By the 1700s, "doll" was used for a child's toy.