# Doyle

/ˈdɔɪɫ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/doyle
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. a surname

noun · CEFR A1

a common family name that comes from Ireland.

For teachers: a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic 'Ó Dubhghaill'.

- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is the famous author who wrote the Sherlock Holmes stories.
- The literary legacy of Doyle continues to influence the detective genre more than a century after the first Holmes story was published.

### 2. a foolish person

noun · CEFR C2 · Dialect · Slang · British English

a slang word for an idiot or a person who does something silly.

For teachers: a regional pejorative used to describe a person perceived as foolish or idiotic.

- Don't be such a doyle, you've put your shoes on the wrong feet.
- He was acting like a total doyle at the party, making everyone feel uncomfortable with his constant shouting.

Usage: primarily used in the Teesside region of North East England.

Teaching tip: This is a very specific regional term; learners should be aware of it if visiting North East England but should avoid using it in general or formal contexts.

## Examples

- The library has a special section for books by Conan Doyle.
- Many readers associate the name Doyle with the golden age of detective fiction and Victorian London.
- The literary legacy of the Doyle family extends beyond detective stories, encompassing historical novels, medical journals, and early forays into spiritualist philosophy.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.