dollhouse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal
Quick answer
What does “dollhouse” mean?
A toy house built on a small scale, designed for dolls to live in.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A toy house built on a small scale, designed for dolls to live in.
A miniature representation of a domestic interior; figuratively, any environment or situation that appears perfect or orderly but is fragile, artificial, or lacking substance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling and primary term differ: 'doll's house' (UK) vs. 'dollhouse' (US). The US spelling is a closed compound.
Connotations
Connotations are identical, associated with childhood, miniaturisation, and sometimes artificial perfection.
Frequency
The term is common in both varieties but follows the respective spelling conventions.
Grammar
How to Use “dollhouse” in a Sentence
[verb] + dollhouse (build, assemble, furnish)dollhouse + [noun] (dollhouse furniture, dollhouse scale)[adjective] + dollhouse (miniature, elaborate, antique)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dollhouse” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- doll's-house furniture
- a doll's-house effect
American English
- dollhouse furniture
- a dollhouse-perfect world
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not typically used.
Academic
Used in fields like psychology ('dollhouse therapy'), sociology, or design studies to discuss miniature models or metaphorical concepts.
Everyday
Common when discussing children's toys, hobbies, or describing something as artificially perfect.
Technical
Used in model-making, miniatures crafting, and theatre (for scaled set designs).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dollhouse”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dollhouse”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dollhouse”
- Incorrect spelling in UK English ('dollhouse' instead of 'doll's house').
- Using it as a verb (not standard).
- Confusing with 'playhouse' (which is often larger, for children).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'dollhouse' is solely a noun. There is no standard verb use.
Yes, it's often used to describe a situation, place, or life that appears perfect, orderly, and charming but is also fragile, artificial, or lacking in depth.
The spelling: UK uses the open compound 'doll's house', while US uses the closed compound 'dollhouse'.
While traditionally associated with girls, it is a gender-neutral toy and hobby. Many adult collectors and miniature artists are of all genders.
A toy house built on a small scale, designed for dolls to live in.
Dollhouse is usually informal in register.
Dollhouse: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒlz ˌhaʊs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɑːlˌhaʊs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “live in a dollhouse”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DOLL needing a HOUSE. It's a house for a doll.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A PLAY; A CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT IS A DOLLHOUSE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the standard British English spelling?