toy

[ toi ]
See synonyms for: toytoyertoyesttoying on Thesaurus.com

noun
  1. an object, often a small representation of something familiar, as an animal or person, for children or others to play with; plaything.

  2. a thing or matter of little or no value or importance; a trifle.

  1. something that serves for or as if for diversion, rather than for serious practical use.

  2. a small article of little value but prized as a souvenir or for some other special reason; trinket; knickknack; bauble.

  3. something diminutive, especially in comparison with like objects.

  4. an animal of a breed or variety noted for smallness of size: The winning terrier at the dog show was a toy.

  5. a close-fitting cap of linen or wool, with flaps coming down to the shoulders, formerly worn by women in Scotland.

  6. a simple, light piece of music, especially of 16th or 17th century England, written for the virginal.

  7. Obsolete.

    • amorous dallying.

    • a playful or amusing act; diversion; pastime.

adjective
  1. made or designed for use as a toy: a toy gun.

  2. of or resembling a toy, especially diminutive in size.

verb (used without object)
  1. to amuse oneself; play.

  2. to act idly; or with indifference; trifle: to toy with one's food.

  1. to dally amorously; flirt.

Origin of toy

1
1275–1325; Middle English toye dalliance; of obscure origin

Other words from toy

  • toyer, noun
  • toyless, adjective
  • toylike, adjective

Words Nearby toy

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

How to use toy in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for toy

toy

/ (tɔɪ) /


noun
  1. an object designed to be played with

    • something that is a nonfunctioning replica of something else, esp a miniature one

    • (as modifier): a toy guitar

  1. any small thing of little value; trifle

    • something small or miniature, esp a miniature variety of a breed of dog

    • (as modifier): a toy poodle

verb
  1. (intr usually foll by with) to play, fiddle, or flirt

Origin of toy

1
C16 (in the sense: amorous dalliance): of uncertain origin

Derived forms of toy

  • toyer, noun
  • toyless, adjective
  • toylike, adjective

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