Tony

¹

[toh-nee]

noun

plural

Tonys 

1. one of a group of awards made annually by the American Theatre Wing, a professional school for the performing arts, for achievements in theatrical production and performance.

Tony

²

[toh-nee]

noun

1. a male given name, form of Anthony.

2. a female given name, form of Antoinette or Antonia.

tony

³

[toh-nee]

adjective

Informal.

tonier, toniest 

1. high-toned; stylish.

   a tony nightclub.

Tony

¹

/ ˈtəʊnɪ /

noun

1. any of several medallions awarded annually in the United States by a professional school for the performing arts for outstanding achievement in the theatre

tony

²

/ ˈtəʊnɪ /

adjective

1. informal,  stylish or distinctive; classy

Word History and Origins

Origin of Tony¹

After the nickname of Antoinette Perry

Origin of Tony²

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80; tone + -y ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of Tony¹

from Tony, the nickname of Antoinette Perry (died 1946), US actress and producer

Origin of Tony²

C20: from _tone

Example Sentences

Picking up in December 1996 with the club mid-table, the 50-minute episodes also featured staff and fans as Sunderland slid towards the bottom three, hampered by the loss of record-signing Niall Quinn and new goalkeeper Tony Coton to injuries.

From BBC

Even with Penn State star linebacker Tony Rojas sidelined by an unspecified injury, beating the Nittany Lions could be doubly difficult for the Bruins because this is a team that rarely beats itself in these kinds of situations.

From Los Angeles Times

Afterward, Logan received lots of hugs and a special trophy from athletic director Tony Barile.

From Los Angeles Times

She had already won a Tony award for her performance in Darling of the Day.

From BBC

Tony Shalhoub is loath to compare his upcoming CNN series, “Breaking Bread,” to the travel food shows hosted by his frequent collaborator Stanley Tucci, who directed him in the gourmand classic “Big Night.”

From Los Angeles Times

When To Use

What is a Tony?

A Tony is an annual award given by the American Theatre Wing (ATW) for excellence in theater production.The Tony award is a black statuette featuring a suspended medallion with the image of the comedy and tragedy mask and the winner’s name, category, and winning year engraved on it. The awards are given out at the Tony Awards ceremony, also known as the Tonys. The Tonys are a televised ceremonial event that features celebrity hosts, musical performances, and Broadway announcements. Typically, the event is seen as one of the most important nights in the theater industry because it gathers many of its most talented performers, directors, and production crews.