paper doll

noun

1. a paper or cardboard, usually two-dimensional, representation of the human figure, used as a child's toy.
2. Usually paper dolls. a connected series of doll-like figures cut from folded paper.

Word History and Origins

Origin of paper doll¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

She was old and fragile, like a paper doll.

From Literature

Lain flat, the garments look like clothes for paper dolls: angular, boxy and wide.

From Los Angeles Times

A snapshot of those paper dolls — actually cut-out photos of the actors in costume — is on Wingate’s Instagram page, along with photos of items she re-created for the actors.

From Los Angeles Times

For dreaming up fantasy fashion statements, combining any given celebrity with any given clothing ensemble like an infinite set of paper dolls.

From Washington Post

They’re printed and cut out like paper dolls, before you put the clothes on.

From Los Angeles Times