dolly
In the context of toys, "dolly" is a diminutive, affectionate term for a doll. It is primarily used in British English or when speaking to and about young children, carrying a softer, more sentimental tone than the standard "doll."
In industrial and cinematic contexts, the term is technical and neutral. A "dolly" refers to the physical equipment, while "dollying" describes the specific cinematic technique of moving the camera. This differs from a "pan" or "tilt," where the camera stays in one spot but rotates.
Meanings
A small platform on wheels used for moving heavy objects from one place to another.
They used a dolly to move the heavy piano into the living room.
A wheeled platform used in cinematography to move a camera smoothly during a shot.
The director ordered a dolly shot to follow the actor walking down the hallway.