doll
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for doll, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A toy made in the likeness of a human figure, often a child's plaything.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use doll
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From "Doll," a pet form of the name Dorothy, which came to be applied to toy figures and, later, to attractive people.
Full origin of doll →Frequently asked questions
What does “doll” mean?
The word “doll” means a toy made in the likeness of a human figure, often a child's plaything. In plain terms, most commonly, a child's toy figure; also used informally as a friendly or admiring way to address someone.
How do you pronounce “doll”?
“Doll” is pronounced dol (/dɑl/ in IPA).
How do you use “doll” in a sentence?
Here is “doll” used in a sentence: “She still keeps the doll her grandmother gave her as a child.”
What part of speech is “doll”?
Depending on how it is used, “doll” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “doll” a common word?
“Doll” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “doll” have?
“Doll” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a toy made in the likeness of a human figure, often a child's plaything.
What is the difference between a doll and an action figure?
Both are toys made in the likeness of human figures. Action figure is the marketing and collector term for jointed, poseable figures, usually based on characters from films, comics, or games, while doll is the broader, older word covering everything from baby dolls to fashion dolls. Many collectors treat action figures as simply one category of doll.
Is calling someone a doll a compliment?
Usually, yes — as a term of endearment, doll means an attractive or likeable person, and "You're a doll" thanks someone for being kind or helpful. The word sounds distinctly old-fashioned, though, and in professional settings it can come across as overly familiar or patronizing, so it is best kept for people you know well.
What is the difference between a doll and a figurine?
A doll is a toy made to be played with, typically in the likeness of a human figure. A figurine is a small decorative statue meant for display rather than play, and it can depict anything — people, animals, or fictional creatures. Purpose and handling separate the two.