What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dolly
Example
Can you bring the dolly over here so we can move this couch? [dolly: noun]
Example
The cinematographer used a dolly to capture the tracking shot. [dolly: noun]
Example
Dolly Parton is a famous country singer. [Dolly: proper noun]
doll
Example
My daughter loves playing with her dollhouse and dolls. [doll: noun]
Example
I love you, my little doll. [doll: term of endearment]
Example
My grandmother's name was Dolly. [Dolly: proper noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Doll is more commonly used than dolly in everyday language and is a familiar word to most people. Dolly, on the other hand, is less common and is typically used in technical or industrial contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dolly and doll?
Dolly is more formal than doll due to its association with technical or industrial contexts. Doll, on the other hand, is more informal and can be used in both formal and informal contexts as a term of endearment.
