toy
Americannoun
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an object, often a small representation of something familiar, as an animal or person, for children or others to play with; plaything.
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a thing or matter of little or no value or importance; a trifle.
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something that serves for or as if for diversion, rather than for serious practical use.
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a small article of little value but prized as a souvenir or for some other special reason; trinket; knickknack; bauble.
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something diminutive, especially in comparison with like objects.
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an animal of a breed or variety noted for smallness of size.
The winning terrier at the dog show was a toy.
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a close-fitting cap of linen or wool, with flaps coming down to the shoulders, formerly worn by women in Scotland.
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a simple, light piece of music, especially of 16th or 17th century England, written for the virginal.
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Obsolete.
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amorous dallying.
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a playful or amusing act; diversion; pastime.
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adjective
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made or designed for use as a toy.
a toy gun.
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of or resembling a toy, especially diminutive in size.
verb (used without object)
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to amuse oneself; play.
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to act idly; or with indifference; trifle.
to toy with one's food.
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to dally amorously; flirt.
noun
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an object designed to be played with
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something that is a nonfunctioning replica of something else, esp a miniature one
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( as modifier )
a toy guitar
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any small thing of little value; trifle
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something small or miniature, esp a miniature variety of a breed of dog
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( as modifier )
a toy poodle
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verb
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
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have toyedperfect
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has toyedperfect 3rd person singular
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are toyingprogressive
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has been toyingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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toyssingular 3rd person
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is toyingprogressive 3rd person singular
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am toyingprogressive 1st person singular
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toyingparticiple
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have been toyingperfect progressive
Past
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had toyedperfect
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had been toyingperfect progressive
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were toyingprogressive plural
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was toyingprogressive singular
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toyedsimple
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toyedparticiple
Future
Etymology
Origin of toy
1275–1325; Middle English toye dalliance; of obscure origin
Explanation
A toy is an object that's made for a child to play with. Your favorite childhood toy might have been a dollhouse, a stuffed animal, or a set of blocks. Some toys are specifically designed for play, like a small wooden train set or a baby's shape sorter. You can also make toys out of everyday objects and materials—a piece of paper can take the shape of a toy airplane, and a saucepan can become a toy drum. Very small dogs are another kind of toy, like a toy poodle. When you use it as a verb, toy means "move or handle absent-mindedly."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Aside from learning to prepare lessons and navigate behavior issues, they complete activities similar to the children’s, including painting as well as outdoor play using toy hoops and bouncy balls.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026
Fun fact: Pop superstar Bad Bunny is the voice of a toy called “Pizza with Sunglasses.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026
“When you see a child out there in the world having a toy of our character, it means they really, really love that character.”
From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026
While theatrical revenue is important, the measure of success for “Masters of the Universe” could also include its eventual reception on streaming platforms and, of course, toy sales, analysts said.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026
She’s given up on getting me to throw a toy for her.
From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
