doll

¹ American  

[dol] / dɒl /

noun

1. a small figure representing a baby or other human being, especially for use as a child's toy.

2. a small figure representing a nonhuman character, for use as a toy.

   cartoon character dolls.

3. Slang.

   1. a pretty but expressionless or unintelligent woman.

   2. a girl or woman, especially one who is considered attractive.

   3. a boy or man who is considered attractive.

   4. (sometimes initial capital letter) an affectionate or familiar term of address, as to a child or romantic partner (sometimes offensive when used to strangers, casual acquaintances, subordinates, etc., especially by a male to a female).

4. Informal. a generous or helpful person.

   You're a doll for lending me your car.

5. Slang. a barbiturate in pill form.

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verb phrase

1. doll up

   1. to dress, groom, or style oneself in an elegant or ostentatiously fashionable manner.

      She got all dolled up for an evening at the opera.

   2. to make more attractive, as by decorating or embellishing.

      The street was dolled up with showy flowers and colorful banners.

Doll ² American  

[dol] / dɒl /

noun

1. a female given name, form of Dorothy.

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doll British  

/ dɒl /

noun

1. a small model or dummy of a human being, used as a toy

2. slang a pretty girl or woman of little intelligence: sometimes used as a term of address

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Other Word Forms

• doll-like adjective
• dollish adjective
• dollishly adverb
• dollishness noun

Etymology

Origin of doll

First recorded in 1550–60; generic use of Doll

Example Sentences

Mattel has also set its sights on major movies, recently partnering with Netflix to make toys inspired by the breakout success “KPop Demon Hunters,” which the company expects will boost doll sales.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Three-year-old Agatha Acker, in a cute gingham outfit and gas mask, brought along her doll, Betty Lou, also tricked out in a pretty dress, and a gas mask.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

They likened the way images of the young women were changed to "a rag doll brought to life through the dark arts".

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

Such a unifying feature is harder to discern in the invention, manufacture and sale of products as disparate as the pogo stick, Mr. Potato Head and the Betsy Wetsy doll.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

I half expected the doll to start talking.

From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney

Related Words

• figurine
• model
• puppet