corn dolly: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowhistorical, folkloric, regional, formal (in anthropological contexts)
Quick answer
What does “corn dolly” mean?
A traditional figure or ornament made from plaited straw, typically representing a human form, and associated with harvest festivals and folk customs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A traditional figure or ornament made from plaited straw, typically representing a human form, and associated with harvest festivals and folk customs.
A symbol of the harvest, fertility, and the spirit of the grain, often used in rituals to ensure a good harvest the following year. In modern contexts, it can refer to any decorative straw figure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is primarily British and Commonwealth. In American English, similar objects might be called 'straw dolls', 'harvest figures', or 'straw ornaments', but 'corn dolly' is understood in folkloric contexts.
Connotations
In the UK, it carries strong connotations of tradition, rural heritage, and harvest. In the US, it is less familiar and may be seen as an exotic or historical artifact.
Frequency
Common in UK historical and folk contexts; rare in everyday American English.
Grammar
How to Use “corn dolly” in a Sentence
[Verb] a corn dolly (make, weave, plait, carry)[Adjective] corn dolly (traditional, ceremonial, decorative)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in anthropology, folklore studies, and agricultural history.
Everyday
Rare; used mainly in rural communities or during harvest festivals.
Technical
Used in crafts and traditional weaving techniques.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “corn dolly”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “corn dolly”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “corn dolly”
- Using 'corn dolly' to refer to a child's toy made of corn (maize) husks. Confusing it with a scarecrow.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, traditionally it is a ritual object associated with harvest customs, not a plaything.
It was believed to house the spirit of the grain and ensure fertility for the next harvest.
Yes, similar straw figures exist in many European agrarian cultures, but the term 'corn dolly' is particularly British.
The word 'dolly' is an old term for a doll or effigy, not necessarily for children.
A traditional figure or ornament made from plaited straw, typically representing a human form, and associated with harvest festivals and folk customs.
Corn dolly is usually historical, folkloric, regional, formal (in anthropological contexts) in register.
Corn dolly: in British English it is pronounced /kɔːn ˈdɒli/, and in American English it is pronounced /kɔːrn ˈdɑːli/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'corn' (grain) and 'dolly' (a doll) – a doll made from corn stalks.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE HARVEST IS A PERSON (embodied in the dolly).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'corn dolly' primarily associated with?