1 B1 idiomatic informal
To make oneself look very attractive by dressing elaborately and applying make-up.
"She dolled herself up for the awards ceremony, wearing a full-length gown and diamond earrings."
separable
doll up
B1 informal separable transitive
To make oneself or someone else look attractive by dressing up smartly and applying make-up.
In plain English
To make yourself look really nice and pretty, like a doll.
What does "doll up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To dress or style another person, especially a child, in an elaborate or attractive way.
"The grandmother loved to doll up the little girl in frilly dresses on Sundays."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make someone look like a pretty doll — perfectly dressed and made up.
Actually means
To make yourself look really nice and pretty, like a doll.
Usage tip
Used for both reflexive and non-reflexive contexts ('she dolled herself up' / 'she dolled up her daughter'). Predominantly used to describe women, though not exclusively. Can sometimes carry a slightly patronising tone depending on context. Very common in British and American English.
Words that pair with "doll up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
herself hair make-up outfit party date
How to conjugate "doll up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
doll up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
dolls up
he/she/it
Past simple
dolled up
yesterday
Past participle
dolled up
have + pp
-ing form
dolling up
continuous
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