coy

American  

[koi] / kɔɪ /

adjective

coyer, coyest

1. artfully or affectedly shy or reserved; slyly hesitant; coquettish.

2. shy; modest.

   Synonyms:

   demure, bashful, diffident, retiring

3. 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.

4. Archaic. disdainful; aloof.

5. Obsolete. quiet; reserved.

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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.

coy ¹ British  

/ kɔɪ /

adjective

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

2. shy; modest

3. evasive, esp in an annoying way

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Coy. ² British  

abbreviation

1. company

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Other Word Forms

• coyish adjective
• coyishness noun
• coyly adverb
• coyness noun
• overcoy adjective
• overcoyness noun
• uncoy adjective
• uncoyness noun

Etymology

Origin of coy

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

Example Sentences

In an era of increasingly coy, event-specific signature cocktails — and the quiet pressure of an open bar — there’s something deeply charming about a punch bowl.

From Salon

She was similarly coy when asked if being number one for the first time was on her radar.

From Barron's

Interim head coach Carrick was coy when asked specifically about the club's position as he spoke in a news conference to preview Sunday's Premier League encounter with Fulham.

From BBC

He is nearly finished with his next novel, which will be published later this October, but is coy about the subject and title.

From The Wall Street Journal

Hearts fans, at least, can stop playing coy.

From BBC

Related Words

• bashful
• evasive
• self-effacing
• skittish
• timid