coy
artfully or affectedly shy or reserved; slyly hesitant; coquettish.
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.
Archaic. disdainful; aloof.
Obsolete. quiet; reserved.
Archaic. to act in a coy manner.
to quiet; soothe.
to pat; caress.
Origin of coy
1Other words for coy
Other words from coy
- coy·ish, adjective
- coy·ish·ness, noun
- coy·ly, adverb
- coy·ness, noun
- o·ver·coy, adjective
- o·ver·coy·ness, noun
- un·coy, adjective
- un·coy·ness, noun
Words Nearby coy
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use coy in a sentence
It is frankly sad to see a representation of it so coy and removed.
The Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremony Was Depressing as Hell | Kevin Fallon | July 23, 2021 | The Daily BeastLiberals in the Democratic Party would like to repeal that law, but McAuliffe is coy, saying that he would sign such a bill if it got to his desk but that the General Assembly would never pass it in the first place.
Is Virginia an economic success or ‘in the ditch?’ Depends on which candidate you ask. | Gregory S. Schneider | July 13, 2021 | Washington PostElon Musk’s goal for SpaceX is to carry 100 people at a time to the moon, Mars, and beyond, although in public presentations he is coy about giving a timeline.
The show plays coy, but season two begins to unspool Aleida’s destiny.
For All Mankind’s season 2 finale is the best TV episode of 2021 so far | Emily VanDerWerff | April 23, 2021 | VoxYet amid the generalities and coy responses they offered after being asked what the trade deadline is like for a coach and a veteran and which holes Washington needs plugged most, Brooks and Beal described the Wizards’ situation rather tidily.
NBA trade deadline: Nikola Vucevic, Victor Oladipo headed to new teams as Kyle Lowry stays put | Ben Golliver | March 25, 2021 | Washington Post
Romney is coy at best about 2016, although his old running mate, Paul Ryan, wants him to run.
And, despite years of protests, the president remains maddeningly coy about the fate of the Keystone XL pipeline.
EPA’s New Regulations to Cut Carbon Emissions Are Obamacare for the Air | Jason Mark | June 2, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTAt his press conference, Obama was coy about future changes in immigration law through executive order.
In Passover Phone Conversation, Eric Cantor Slams Obama | Eleanor Clift | April 17, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTDid Mia stop to think how her coy tease might be perceived by the widow Sinatra?
At least he isn't pulling a Taylor Swift and trying to be coy about who the song is about.
Lady Gaga Goes Naked on ‘ARTPOP’ Album Cover, Miley Cyrus Insults Matt Lauer’s Sex Life | Culture Team | October 7, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTBut Rosa had been too coy to Alfred's evident devotion—almost repellent at seasons.
At Last | Marion HarlandHe was among the fleetest, and after some coy dallying he stood still until the athletic Sioux came beside him.
The Young Ranchers | Edward S. EllisIn the mean time she is coy—awaiting the result of your search.
Dross | Henry Seton MerrimanAll which coy suggestions La Mothe Fnlon, astute courtier that he was, knew well how to answer.
History of the Rise of the Huguenots | Henry BairdIt was common for coy damsels and staid matrons to wend their way to Lizzie's cot about twilight, to have their fortunes spaed.
The Mysteries of All Nations | James Grant
British Dictionary definitions for coy (1 of 2)
/ (kɔɪ) /
(usually of a woman) affectedly demure, esp in a playful or provocative manner
shy; modest
evasive, esp in an annoying way
Origin of coy
1Derived forms of coy
- coyish, adjective
- coyly, adverb
- coyness, noun
British Dictionary definitions for Coy. (2 of 2)
/ military /
company
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
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