Definition

Verb (phrasal verb): - To dress oneself in an especially stylish, fancy, or attractive manner, often with considerable effort and attention to detail regarding clothing, hair, and makeup. It implies a transformation from an ordinary or casual appearance to a more glamorous or dressed-up one, typically for a special occasion or social event.

Usage

This phrasal verb is separable and informal. It is often used reflexively ("doll oneself up") but can also be used with an object ("doll someone/something up"). It carries a connotation of playful or elaborate preparation to enhance one's appearance.

Examples

• (Note: This shows the verb can be applied to objects, meaning to decorate them in a fancy way.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be/get dolled up": This common passive/participial form describes the state or result of the action.
  • They were all dolled up for the party.
  • It's time to get dolled up for the big night.

Variants and Related Words

• Dolled-up (adjective): Describing someone or something that has been dressed or decorated fancily.
  • The dolled-up guests arrived at the gala.

Synonyms

• Dress up: To wear formal or fancy clothes. (Less specific about makeup and styling.)
• Glam up (informal): To make oneself look glamorous.
• Prink (archaic/literary): To dress or adorn oneself carefully.
• Preen: To make oneself tidy and attractive, often with a connotation of vanity.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Spruce up: To make neat, smart, or clean. It can apply to people, places, or things and is less focused on glamour and more on tidiness.
  • He spruced up before the job interview.

Related Idioms

• Put on one's best bib and tucker (humorous/old-fashioned): To put on one's best clothes.
  • We had to put on our best bib and tucker for the wedding.

Verb

1. use special care in dressing, making-up, etc.
   • She dolled herself up for the night out with her friends