Dollhouse: meaning, definitions and examples

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dollhouse

[ˈdɒlˌhaʊs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

play

A dollhouse is a miniature house, usually made of wood, plastic, or cardboard, that children use for playing with dolls. It typically has multiple rooms, furniture, and decorations.

Synonyms

doll's house, miniature house, toy house.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dollhouse	Commonly used in American English to describe a small-scale model house for children to play with dolls in. She received a beautiful dollhouse for her birthday They spent the afternoon decorating the new dollhouse
doll's house	Primarily used in British English, it refers to the same concept as 'dollhouse' – a small house for dolls. The children were delighted with their new doll's house Her grandmother gifted her a handmade doll's house
miniature house	Typically used to describe a very small, detailed house model, often collected or built as a hobby. This term does not necessarily imply it is for dolls. He built a miniature house complete with tiny furniture The shop sells intricate miniature houses for collectors
toy house	A general term for any small house toy, which might not be specifically for dolls and could be used in various forms of play. The playroom was filled with toy houses of different shapes and sizes They played with the toy house and action figures all afternoon

Examples of usage

She spent hours playing with her dollhouse, arranging the furniture and creating imaginary scenarios.
The dollhouse was passed down from generation to generation, each child adding their own touch to it.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

architecture

In architecture, a dollhouse is a detailed scale model of a house or building, often used for design or display purposes. It helps architects and designers visualize the layout and structure of a building.

Synonyms

architectural model, miniature replica, scale model.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dollhouse	Used primarily for children's play, representing a small house or furniture where doll-like figures are used for imaginative and role-playing activities. She spent hours arranging the furniture in her dollhouse Her parents bought her a new Victorian-style dollhouse for her birthday
scale model	Similar to an architectural model but can refer to any type of small-scale, proportionate representation of objects such as vehicles, buildings, or aircraft. Often used in engineering, hobbyist activities, or for educational purposes. The aerospace engineering students created a scale model of their aircraft design He enjoys building scale models of vintage cars in his free time
miniature replica	Can be used more broadly to describe a small-scale version of almost anything, including buildings, vehicles, or even historical landmarks. Often used in collectibles or educational settings. He has a collection of miniature replicas of famous bridges The museum displayed a miniature replica of the ancient castle
architectural model	Most commonly used by architects and builders to represent the design and structure of a building or project in a professional context. The architect presented an intricate architectural model of the new skyscraper Clients were impressed by the detailed architectural model of the upcoming residential complex

Examples of usage

The architect presented the dollhouse of the new office building to the clients for approval.
The detailed dollhouse revealed the intricate design of the historical mansion.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

Dollhouses date back to the 16th century and were originally crafted for adult collectors rather than children.
The first known dollhouse was made in Germany and served not just as a toy but also as a status symbol for wealthy families.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, dollhouses represent nurturing and domestic skills, often given to girls to inspire imagination and creativity.
Some dollhouses are designed to show traditional architecture, allowing children to learn about culture and design as they play.

Psychology

Playing with dollhouses can enhance a child's spatial awareness and fine motor skills as they move furniture and arrange the house.
Dramatic play with dollhouses helps children express their emotions and understand social relationships by reenacting scenarios.

Literature

Dollhouses appear in classic literature, such as 'A Doll's House' by Henrik Ibsen, reflecting themes of domestic life and societal roles.
Children's books often feature dollhouses, which serve as a backdrop for adventures and moral lessons in storytelling.

Modern Trends

Today, dollhouses are made from various materials, including wood, plastic, and recyclable materials, focusing on sustainability.
There are now themed dollhouses, including modern architecture and fantasy designs, appealing to a diverse range of interests.

Translations

Translations of the word "dollhouse" in other languages:

🇵🇹 casa de bonecas

🇮🇳 गुड़ियों का घर

🇩🇪 Puppenhaus

🇮🇩 rumah boneka

🇺🇦 ляльковий будиночок

🇵🇱 domek dla lalek

🇯🇵 ドールハウス

🇫🇷 maison de poupées

🇪🇸 casa de muñecas

🇹🇷 bebek evi

🇰🇷 인형의 집

🇸🇦 بيت الدمى

🇨🇿 domeček pro panenky

🇸🇰 domček pre bábiky

🇨🇳 玩具屋

🇸🇮 hiša za punčke

🇮🇸 dúkkuhús

🇰🇿 қуыршақ үйі

🇬🇪 თოჯინების სახლი

🇦🇿 oyuncaq evi

🇲🇽 casa de muñecas