Doris
Doris (name) means a female given name, popular in Britain and the US in the early 20th century, from the Greek name of a sea-nymph. Example: “Her great-aunt Doris was born in 1922.”
How to use Doris
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA traditional female first name, or old-fashioned slang for a female partner.
Word forms
Dorises plural, Dorises plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her great-aunt _____ was born in 1922.
Etymology
From the Ancient Greek name Doris, a sea-nymph in mythology; the slang sense for "woman" grew out of the name's long popularity in Britain.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for Doris
See all rhymes for Doris →Frequently asked questions
What does “Doris” mean?
The word “Doris” means a female given name, popular in Britain and the US in the early 20th century, from the Greek name of a sea-nymph. In plain terms, a traditional female first name, or old-fashioned slang for a female partner.
How do you pronounce “Doris”?
“Doris” is pronounced DO-rihs (/ˈdɔɹɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “Doris” in a sentence?
Here is “Doris” used in a sentence: “Her great-aunt Doris was born in 1922.”
What part of speech is “Doris”?
Depending on how it is used, “Doris” can be a name and a noun.
Where does the word “Doris” come from?
The word “Doris” comes from Ancient Greek. From the Ancient Greek name Doris, a sea-nymph in mythology; the slang sense for "woman" grew out of the name's long popularity in Britain.
Is “Doris” a common word?
“Doris” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Doris” have?
“Doris” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a female given name, popular in Britain and the US in the early 20th century, from the Greek name of a sea-nymph.
What does "Doris" mean as British slang?
In dated British slang, "Doris" is used informally to mean a wife or girlfriend, a usage separate from and unrelated to its role as a personal name.
Is calling someone's partner "the Doris" still common today?
This slang use of "Doris" for a wife or girlfriend is considered dated and is mostly heard in older or nostalgic British speech rather than current everyday usage.