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paper doll

American  

noun

  1. a paper or cardboard, usually two-dimensional, representation of the human figure, used as a child's toy.

  2. Usually paper dolls. a connected series of doll-like figures cut from folded paper.


Etymology

Origin of paper doll

First recorded in 1840–50

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.

Print and build the Kraken mascot paper doll here.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 18, 2023

The two-level store sells more than just reading material: Pick up a Frida Kahlo paper doll, backpack by Sweden’s Fjallraven Kanken or dachshund-print notecards.

From Washington Post • Jan. 10, 2019

Besides the oddness of a group of men singing about wanting a paper doll, one line refers to “flirty, flirty guys, with their flirty eyes.”

From Slate • Aug. 27, 2018

He tries to use Cagney like a paper doll.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 21, 2017

That the lite of a man is worth the sale of a two-bit paper doll .

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison

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