coy

[ koi ]
See synonyms for coy on Thesaurus.com
adjective,coy·er, coy·est.
  1. artfully or affectedly shy or reserved; slyly hesitant; coquettish.

  1. showing reluctance, especially when insincere or affected, to reveal one's plans or opinions, make a commitment, or take a stand: The mayor was coy about his future political aspirations.

  2. Archaic. disdainful; aloof.

  3. Obsolete. quiet; reserved.

verb (used without object)
  1. Archaic. to act in a coy manner.

verb (used with object)Obsolete.
  1. to quiet; soothe.

  2. to pat; caress.

Origin of coy

1
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Anglo-French coi, quoy “calm,” Old French quei, from unattested Vulgar Latin quētus, for Latin quiētus quiet

Other words for coy

Other words from coy

  • coy·ish, adjective
  • coy·ish·ness, noun
  • coy·ly, adverb
  • coy·ness, noun
  • o·ver·coy, adjective
  • o·ver·coy·ness, noun
  • un·coy, adjective
  • un·coy·ness, noun

Words Nearby coy

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use coy in a sentence

  • But Rosa had been too coy to Alfred's evident devotion—almost repellent at seasons.

    At Last | Marion Harland
  • He was among the fleetest, and after some coy dallying he stood still until the athletic Sioux came beside him.

    The Young Ranchers | Edward S. Ellis
  • In the mean time she is coy—awaiting the result of your search.

    Dross | Henry Seton Merriman
  • All which coy suggestions La Mothe Fnlon, astute courtier that he was, knew well how to answer.

  • It was common for coy damsels and staid matrons to wend their way to Lizzie's cot about twilight, to have their fortunes spaed.

British Dictionary definitions for coy (1 of 2)

coy

/ (kɔɪ) /


adjective
  1. (usually of a woman) affectedly demure, esp in a playful or provocative manner

  2. shy; modest

  1. evasive, esp in an annoying way

Origin of coy

1
C14: from Old French coi reserved, from Latin quiētus quiet

Derived forms of coy

  • coyish, adjective
  • coyly, adverb
  • coyness, noun

British Dictionary definitions for Coy. (2 of 2)

Coy.

/ military /


abbreviation for
  1. company

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012