Doll: meaning, definitions and examples

🎎

Add to dictionary

doll

[dɒl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

play

A small model of a human figure, often made of plastic or cloth, used as a child's toy.

Synonyms

action figure, puppet, toy figurine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
doll	Commonly used to describe a toy figure that often resembles a human or humanoid form, frequently used for play or decoration. Usually associated with children's play. She received a beautiful porcelain doll for her birthday. The little girl enjoyed dressing up her doll in different outfits.
toy figurine	Describes a small, often collectible, toy figure representing characters from various media or real life. May have limited or no movement. Can be used by children for play or by adults for collection. He displayed his collection of toy figurines from different historical periods. The child spent hours arranging his toy figurines in imaginative scenarios.
action figure	Typically refers to a posable character toy often representing heroes or characters from movies, comics, or TV shows. Mainly targeted towards children but also collected by adults. He has an extensive action figure collection featuring characters from his favorite movies. The new superhero action figure became a popular gift among kids.
puppet	Refers to a figure controlled by a person using strings, rods, or hands, often used in performances or plays. This word can also refer to someone who is easily controlled by others, carrying a negative connotation. The puppet show at the festival captivated the audience. She skillfully maneuvered the hand puppet to tell the story.

Examples of usage

She loves playing with her dolls.
He collects vintage dolls from different countries.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

currency

A currency unit in the United States and other countries, equal to 100 cents.

Synonyms

currency, greenback, money.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
doll	This word is typically used to refer to a child's toy that resembles a human figure. It can also be used informally to refer to a very attractive person, usually a woman. She bought a beautiful doll for her daughter's birthday. That actress is such a doll; she's stunning!
currency	Use this term when referring to the system of money in general use in a particular country. It is often used in formal or financial contexts. The exchange rate for foreign currency fluctuates daily. The U.S. dollar is a widely accepted currency around the world.
money	This is a general term used to refer to any accepted medium of exchange. It is a very broad term and can be used in almost any context involving finances or transactions. She saved a lot of money over the years. They need money to fund their new project.
greenback	This is a slang term specifically for U.S. paper money. It has a casual tone and is often used in American culture. He pulled a couple of greenbacks out of his wallet. Do you have a greenback to lend me?

Examples of usage

The price is 10 dollars.
She paid in cash with five one-dollar bills.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term 'doll' comes from 'Dorothy', a name that became popular in the 1700s, when children often played with dolls linked to nursery rhymes.
Dolls date back thousands of years, with discoveries of ancient dolls made from wood, clay, or cloth in Egypt and Greece.
In the 19th century, dolls became mass-produced, leading to the creation of iconic brands like Mattel for Barbie, launched in 1959.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, dolls represent childhood innocence and are used in rituals to teach social roles and responsibilities.
Some dolls, like traditional Japanese Kokeshi dolls, are handcrafted and symbolize good luck and protection.
The popularity of dolls in different cultures highlights their roles in reflecting societal values, aspirations, and beauty standards.

Psychology

Playing with dolls helps children develop empathy and social skills by engaging in role-playing scenarios.
Research shows that engaging in imaginative play with dolls can boost creativity and problem-solving abilities in children.
Dolls can serve therapeutic roles, helping children process emotions and traumatic experiences through play.

Technology

Today, dolls incorporate technology, including interactive features that allow them to respond to voice commands.
Robotic dolls are becoming increasingly popular, offering companionship and learning experiences about care and responsibility.
3D printing technology is being used to create customizable dolls, allowing children to design dolls that represent themselves or their friends.

Literature

Dolls have been prominent in children's literature, symbolizing playfulness, adventure, and sometimes even mystery, as seen in 'The Velveteen Rabbit'.
Many stories explore themes of friendship and imagination through the lens of children and their cherished dolls.
Books featuring dolls often highlight the bond between the toy and the child's journey of growth and self-discovery.

Translations

Translations of the word "doll" in other languages:

🇵🇹 boneca

🇮🇳 गुड़िया

🇩🇪 Puppe

🇮🇩 boneka

🇺🇦 лялька

🇵🇱 lalka

🇯🇵 人形 (にんぎょう)

🇫🇷 poupée

🇪🇸 muñeca

🇹🇷 bebek

🇰🇷 인형 (inhyeong)

🇸🇦 دمية

🇨🇿 panenka

🇸🇰 bábika

🇨🇳 玩偶 (wángǒu)

🇸🇮 lutka

🇮🇸 dúkka

🇰🇿 қуыршақ

🇬🇪 თოჯინა

🇦🇿 kukla

🇲🇽 muñeca

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,632, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
10629 mustard
10630 betray
10631 ceramics
10632 doll
10633 massacre
10634 diabetic
10635 pebbles
...