coy
artfully or affectedly shy or reserved; slyly hesitant; coquettish.
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.
Archaic. disdainful; aloof.
Obsolete. quiet; reserved.
Archaic. to act in a coy manner.
to quiet; soothe.
to pat; caress.
Origin of coy
1Other 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
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use coy in a sentence
Sarah Palin hit Oprah with a power suit perfectly designed to project coyness.
In general, the girl-child, when in love, displays far less coyness and reserve than the young woman.
The Sexual Life of the Child | Albert Moll"Well, I'm sure you're among friends when you're here," Mrs. O'Brien said with a downcast look of melting coyness.
The Rosie World | Parker FillmoreWe struck up an acquaintance with him, after a few days of coyness on his part, and finally made him a friend.
Artists and Arabs | Henry BlackburnMaiden coyness and love of liberty might make her as willing to elude his approach as her friends could wish.
Magnum Bonum | Charlotte M. Yonge
Mrs. Butters' coyness and refusal to be embraced because of the flask of coffee in her bosom is an instance of this.
A Woman's Part in a Revolution | Natalie Harris Hammond
British Dictionary definitions for coy (1 of 2)
/ (kɔɪ) /
(usually of a woman) affectedly demure, esp in a playful or provocative manner
shy; modest
evasive, esp in an annoying way
Origin of coy
1Derived forms of coy
- coyish, adjective
- coyly, adverb
- coyness, noun
British Dictionary definitions for Coy. (2 of 2)
/ military /
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
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