dolly

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun conveyance consisting of a wheeled support on which a camera can be mounted
  2. noun conveyance consisting of a wheeled platform for moving heavy objects
  3. noun a small replica of a person; used as a toy

Etymology

From doll + -y, from the given name Dorothy, originally applied either to a woman or female pet or to a children's toy, and expanded to refer to various types of contrivances or devices. The Online Etymology Dictionary, while considering the reason for applying it to such devices unobvious, compares how the names jack, jenny and jimmy are also applied to devices.

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