dobby: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical (textiles); Informal/British Slang
Quick answer
What does “dobby” mean?
A simple weaving loom attachment used to create small, repeated patterns in fabric.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A simple weaving loom attachment used to create small, repeated patterns in fabric.
1. A type of fabric (dobby fabric) characterized by small, geometric woven patterns. 2. (UK, informal) A stupid or eccentric person.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The technical textile meaning is identical in both varieties. The informal meaning 'a stupid person' is exclusively British.
Connotations
UK: Can imply harmlessness or endearing foolishness. US: No informal connotation; purely technical.
Frequency
In the US, the word is rare outside textile manufacturing. In the UK, the informal meaning is recognized but declining in use.
Grammar
How to Use “dobby” in a Sentence
[The] dobby [creates/weaves] [pattern][He/she] is a bit of a dobby.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dobby” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The old dobby in the mill needs maintenance.
- He's a lovely chap, but a bit of a dobby.
American English
- This dobby loom can handle up to 24 harnesses.
- The fabric's subtle texture comes from a dobby.
adjective
British English
- She bought a dobby-weave tablecloth.
American English
- Dobby patterns are common in shirting fabrics.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in textile manufacturing and sales.
Academic
Appears in historical and technical texts on weaving.
Everyday
Rarely used; mostly UK slang.
Technical
Standard term in weaving technology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dobby”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dobby”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dobby”
- Using 'dobby' to mean 'large patterned fabric' (that's a jacquard).
- Capitalizing it when not referring to the Harry Potter character.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. J.K. Rowling took the name from the existing English word. The character and the weaving term are etymologically unrelated.
A dobby loom creates small, repeating geometric patterns. A jacquard loom can create large, complex, non-repeating pictorial weaves.
In British slang, it is mildly derogatory but often implies a harmless, simple-minded eccentricity rather than serious stupidity.
No, in standard English, 'dobby' is only a noun or an adjective (as in 'dobby weave').
A simple weaving loom attachment used to create small, repeated patterns in fabric.
Dobby is usually technical (textiles); informal/british slang in register.
Dobby: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒbi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɑːbi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't be such a dobby.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Dobby the house-elf (from Harry Potter) is a simple, small creature; a 'dobby' loom makes small, simple patterns.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROL IS A MECHANISM (the dobby controls the pattern).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'dobby' exclusively a British English term?