doll

A doll is usually a toy shaped like a person, often a baby or a small child. From classic porcelain dolls in careful little outfits to soft rag dolls carried everywhere, these toys have been part of childhood for centuries. Outside the toy box, the word is also used in an informal way for someone who is very attractive, as in "She looks like a doll."

You'll also hear it as a warm, casual way to talk about someone who is kind or helpful. If a friend gives you a hand when you need it, you might say, "You're a doll!" People have made these figures for thousands of years. Some were toys, and some had a special place in religious or cultural life. Today, they come in many forms, from fashion dolls like Barbie to simple handmade rag dolls.

The word "doll" primarily refers to a toy shaped like a human being, especially a baby, child, or young woman. These figures are made from many materials, including plastic, vinyl, cloth, wood, and porcelain. The word covers everything from simple baby dolls meant for play to detailed collectible dolls meant mostly for display. You might say, "My daughter spent the afternoon dressing up her doll in tiny, handmade outfits."

The term also has important informal meanings. "Doll" can describe a person, usually a woman, who is very attractive or charming. In older or playful speech, someone might say, "She's a real doll." The word can also mean a kind, sweet, or helpful person, as in "Thanks for bringing dinner over. You're a doll." Because this use is personal and a little old-fashioned, it can sound warm in one situation and patronizing in another.

If you're getting ready for a big event, you might even "doll yourself up," a phrasal verb meaning to dress elegantly or apply makeup with extra care.

Interestingly, the word may have grown from "Doll," a pet form of "Dorothy," and by the late 17th century it had become a common name for a child's toy figure. So whether it points to a favorite childhood toy, a beautiful face, or a kind friend, "doll" carries ideas of play, affection, and appearance.