Definition

1. Noun:
   • A flat, two-dimensional figure representing a human, made from paper: A "paper doll" is a simple doll created by drawing or printing a human form on paper and then cutting it out. It is typically a flat representation, often with separate paper clothing items that can be attached.

Usage

• Noun:
  • A "paper doll" is a traditional children's toy. It is played with by dressing the doll in various paper outfits.
  • The term can be used literally to describe the physical toy or metaphorically to describe someone who is perceived as passive or easily controlled.

Examples

• Noun:
  • She spent the afternoon cutting out a new paper doll from a magazine.
  • The vintage book contained a beautiful paper doll with an extensive wardrobe.
  • (Metaphorical) He felt like a paper doll, manipulated by the political party's leadership.

Advanced Usage

• "Like a paper doll": Used in similes to describe a person who is submissive, lacks depth, or is easily dressed and controlled by others.
  • The celebrity was portrayed in the media as a mere paper doll, wearing whatever the stylists chose.

Variants and Related Words

• Paper doll chain: A series of identical paper dolls connected by their hands, created by folding paper and cutting a figure.
  • The children made a long paper doll chain for the classroom decoration.

Synonyms

• Cut-out: A shape cut out from paper or cardboard.
• Flat doll: A doll that is not three-dimensional.

Related Idioms

• A paper doll existence: A life that appears perfect or stylish on the surface but is shallow, fragile, or controlled by external forces.
  • Behind her glamorous social media profile, she described her life as a paper doll existence.

Noun

1. a piece of paper cut or folded into the shape of a human being