noun
dobby
Dobby (noun) means a mechanism on a loom that weaves small geometric patterns into fabric, or the fabric produced this way. Example: “The tablecloth had a subtle dobby weave.”
noun
1
A mechanism on a loom that weaves small geometric patterns into fabric, or the fabric produced this way.
"The tablecloth had a subtle dobby weave."
2
In folklore, a mischievous or helpful household spirit.
"Village stories told of a dobby that tidied the kitchen at night."
How to use dobby
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a weaving technique/fabric with small patterns, or a folkloric house-spirit.
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Word forms
- Plural
- dobbies
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The tablecloth had a subtle _____ weave.
Etymology
From the name Dobby, itself a variant of Rob, associated with household spirits in British folklore.
Rhymes for dobby
See all rhymes for dobby →Frequently asked questions
What does “dobby” mean?
The word “dobby” means a mechanism on a loom that weaves small geometric patterns into fabric, or the fabric produced this way. In plain terms, either a weaving technique/fabric with small patterns, or a folkloric house-spirit.
How do you use “dobby” in a sentence?
Here is “dobby” used in a sentence: “The tablecloth had a subtle dobby weave.”
What part of speech is “dobby”?
“Dobby” is a noun.
How many meanings does “dobby” have?
“Dobby” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a mechanism on a loom that weaves small geometric patterns into fabric, or the fabric produced this way.
