What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
doll
Example
She loves playing with her dolls and creating different stories. [doll: noun]
Example
The doll's dress was made of soft pink fabric. [doll's: possessive adjective]
toy
Example
He has a collection of different toys, including cars, action figures, and puzzles. [toys: plural noun]
Example
The children were playing with their new toy train set. [toy: singular noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Toy is more commonly used than doll in everyday language. Toy is a versatile term that covers a wide range of objects used for play, while doll is a specific type of toy that is often associated with girls and feminine interests.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between doll and toy?
Both doll and toy can be used in formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation and audience. However, toy is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
