toy

[toi]

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.

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

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

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

6. an animal of a breed or variety noted for smallness of size.

   The winning terrier at the dog show was a toy.

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

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

9. Obsolete.

   1. amorous dallying.

   2. 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.

3. to dally amorously; flirt.

toy

/ tɔɪ /

noun

1. an object designed to be played with

2. 1. something that is a nonfunctioning replica of something else, esp a miniature one

   2. ( as modifier )

      a toy guitar

3. any small thing of little value; trifle

4. 1. something small or miniature, esp a miniature variety of a breed of dog

   2. ( as modifier )

      a toy poodle

verb

1. to play, fiddle, or flirt

Other Word Forms

• toyer noun
• toyless adjective
• toylike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of toy¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of toy¹

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

Example Sentences

Not long after I meet 15-year-old Buddy, he shows me his favourite cuddly toy, Reindeer Dog.

From BBC

Recent examples of this include queues of people snaking around high streets to get their hands on limited edition Labubu plush toys - which are usually sold out online.

From BBC

Each of the children had been given £20 to spend at the fair - they had, however, mostly spent it on Labubu toys.

From BBC

Along the way, we get some classics, like the image of a burlesque dancer "glowing like the end of a cigarette"; or comparing a critic's barbs to "a toy chihuahua barking from a tiny purse".

From BBC

Over a slightly blurry video call, I could see her toy monkey, Mr H, behind her.

From BBC

Related Words

• fiddle 
• flirt 
• fool 
• tease