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noun

doughboy

Doughboy (noun) means an American infantry soldier, especially one who served in World War I. Example: “His grandfather was a doughboy in France in 1918.”

noun
1
An American infantry soldier, especially one who served in World War I.
"His grandfather was a doughboy in France in 1918."
2
A small dumpling made of dough, often boiled or fried.
"She served doughboys alongside the stew."

How to use doughboy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn old nickname for a US Army foot soldier, especially from WWI, or a type of fried dumpling.

Word forms

doughboys plural

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His grandfather was a _____ in France in 1918.

Etymology

From dough plus boy; the soldier sense is recorded from the Mexican–American War, though its exact origin is unclear.

Rhymes for doughboy

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Frequently asked questions

What does “doughboy” mean?

The word “doughboy” means an American infantry soldier, especially one who served in World War I. In plain terms, an old nickname for a US Army foot soldier, especially from WWI, or a type of fried dumpling.

How do you use “doughboy” in a sentence?

Here is “doughboy” used in a sentence: “His grandfather was a doughboy in France in 1918.”

What part of speech is “doughboy”?

“Doughboy” is a noun.

How many meanings does “doughboy” have?

“Doughboy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an American infantry soldier, especially one who served in World War I.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial