Dolby

American

[dohl-bee, dawl-] / ˈdoʊl bi, ˈdɔl- /

Trademark.

a brand of system for reducing high-frequency noise in audiotape using various electronic devices during recording and playback.

Dolby British

/ ˈdɒlbɪ /

noun

any of various specialized electronic circuits, esp those used for noise reduction in tape recorders by functioning as companders on high-frequency signals

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Dolby

named after R. Dolby (born 1933), its US inventor

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Dolby

Unlike Imax or Dolby Cinema, Infinity Vision isn’t a projection format; rather, it’s a designation for auditoriums that meet certain standards for screen size, projection and sound.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 3, 2026

"In a big room, on a big screen, with the Dolby system turned up, it is a unique time-machine journey," said Salkeld.

From BBC ● Jun. 28, 2026

The 99th Oscars will take place March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 24, 2026

He marveled at their bowling alley and Dolby Atmos-equipped movie theater.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 21, 2026

I got Scott up directly, told him to pack the books and clothes for the readings first, dressed, and pocketed my jewels and papers, while Dolby stuffed himself out with money.

From The Letters of Charles Dickens Vol. 2, 1857-1870 by Mamie Dickens

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023