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

While Fetterman was gracious to Mullin during his questioning, though, he was unusually coy about the status of his support.

From Slate • Mar. 18, 2026

But the US and Israel are far more coy on what is happening in cyber-space.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

In a coy bit of casting, Smith appears here as a “Wildcard” judge alongside the D.J.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026

But Emery's coy approach to Villa's growing title momentum can't obscure the facts.

From Barron's • Dec. 21, 2025

She finally set down her book and gave Dill a coy eyebrow raise.

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner

Related Words

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