Definition

Noun: 1. A small, often decorative, piece of linen or paper: A doily is a small, ornamental mat, typically round and made of linen, lace, or paper. It is placed under a dish, bowl, glass, or other object to protect a surface or as a decoration.

Usage

A doily is used primarily for decorative or protective purposes on furniture, such as tables or sideboards. It prevents scratches, condensation rings, or heat damage from dishes and glassware.

Examples

• Noun:
  • She placed a lace doily under the flower vase to protect the wooden table.
  • The tea service was arranged on elegant linen doilies.
  • He used a paper doily to line the plate of cookies.

Advanced Usage

• "To doily" (verb, rare/archaic): To adorn or cover with doilies.
  • The shelves were doilied with intricate crochet mats.

Variants and Related Words

• Doyley: An alternate, less common spelling of "doily."
• Doily (noun): The standard and most common spelling.
• Antimacassar: A related item; a piece of cloth placed over the back or arms of a chair to protect it from hair oil (macassar oil).

Synonyms

• Mat: A small piece of material placed on a surface.
• Coaster: Specifically for glasses, often used for a similar protective purpose.
• Placemat: A larger mat for table settings.

Notes on Meaning

The word "doily" originates from Doyley, the name of a 17th-century London draper. It originally referred to a woolen fabric, then to a fabric used for summer wear, and eventually to the small ornamental napkin or mat.

Noun

1. a small round piece of linen placed under a dish or bowl