coy

[ koi ]

/ kɔɪ /

See synonyms for: coy / coyishness / coyness on Thesaurus.com

adjective, coy·er, coy·est.

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

shy; modest.

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.

verb (used without object)

Archaic. to act in a coy manner.

verb (used with object) Obsolete.

to quiet; soothe.

to pat; caress.

SYNONYMS FOR coy

2 retiring, diffident, bashful, demure.

See synonyms for coy on Thesaurus.com

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Origin of coy

1300–50; Middle English <Anglo-French coi, quoy calm, Old French quei<Vulgar Latin *quētus, for Latin quiētusquiet¹

OTHER WORDS FROM coy

coyish, adjectivecoy·ish·ness, nouncoyly, adverbcoyness, noun

o·ver·coy, adjectiveo·ver·coy·ly, adverbo·ver·coy·ness, nounun·coy, adjectiveun·coy·ly, adverbun·coy·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

Example sentences from the Web for coy

The series has been coy about whether these adventures fighting gods and monsters were “real” in this universe’s logic.
How ‘Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’ makes sense of stories about Vikings, pirates and George Washington|Gene Park|January 1, 2021|Washington Post
Rizzo was a bit coy, saying he has not talked to Scherzer about his future while acknowledging discussions could be on the “ownership level.”
Will the Nationals extend Max Scherzer’s contract? There are a few dynamics at play.|Jesse Dougherty|December 16, 2020|Washington Post
On Friday, when we sought confirmation of the endorsement from the Labor Council, they played coy, declining to provide a statement confirming or denying its decision.
Morning Report: Review Board Scolds Sheriff Over Body Cameras|Voice of San Diego|November 23, 2020|Voice of San Diego
Carter coyly characterizes the setting as “a room” and the time period as “yes.”
The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson (And Tolstoy and Dickens)|Samuel Fragoso|October 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST

If he coyly waffles this time around, his support will evaporate quicker than you can say Fred Thompson.
Reanimated and Ready: The Unstoppable Huckenstein|James Poulos|January 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Verveer is headed for a prestigious think-tank spot, but she coyly provided no details.
John Kerry vs. Bob Woodward|Lloyd Grove|January 20, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Coyly, Rosenfeld chooses does not to identify whom he believes were the true subversives.
The FBI’s Harassment and Spying on 1960s Students Revealed in 'Subversives' by Seth Rosenfeld|Michael Kazin|August 23, 2012|DAILY BEAST
But when I asked Haneke if he agrees with this argument, he coyly replied, “If you like.”
Michael Haneke Film ‘Amour’ Explores Euthanasia and the Purity of Love|Richard Porton|May 23, 2012|DAILY BEAST
But it was all forgotten the next moment, as he sprang after the she-wolf, who was coyly leading him a chase through the woods.
White Fang|Jack London
"I haven't got used to it meself yet," Mrs. Baker-Bridges said coyly.
The War-Workers|E.M. Delafield
The highly coloured Kite, reaching down from the mantelpiece a paper fan, held it coyly before her face.
Passing of the Third Floor Back|Jerome K. Jerome
How coyly does she dispose her garments and floating drapery to hide the too-maddening symmetry of her limbs!
The Bon Gaultier Ballads|William Edmonstoune Aytoun
The girl held a tight grip on the leash and looked at him coyly.
The Monster|S. M. Tenneshaw

British Dictionary definitions for coy (1 of 2)

coy

/ (kɔɪ) /

adjective

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

shy; modest

evasive, esp in an annoying way

Derived forms of coy

coyish, adjectivecoyly, adverbcoyness, noun

Word Origin for coy

C14: from Old French coi reserved, from Latin quiētus quiet

British Dictionary definitions for coy (2 of 2)

Coy.

/ military /

abbreviation for

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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coy

adjective, coy·er, coy·est.

verb (used without object)

verb (used with object) Obsolete.

SYNONYMS FOR coy

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Origin of coy

OTHER WORDS FROM coy

Example sentences from the Web for coy

British Dictionary definitions for coy (1 of 2)

adjective

Derived forms of coy

Word Origin for coy

British Dictionary definitions for coy (2 of 2)

abbreviation for

MEANINGS

WORD GAMES

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WRITING

WORD OF THE DAY

coy

adjective, coy·er, coy·est.

verb (used without object)

verb (used with object) Obsolete.

SYNONYMS FOR coy

QUIZZES

LEARN THE SPANISH WORDS FOR THESE COMMON ANIMALS!

Origin of coy

OTHER WORDS FROM coy

Words related to coy

Example sentences from the Web for coy

British Dictionary definitions for coy (1 of 2)

adjective

Derived forms of coy

Word Origin for coy

British Dictionary definitions for coy (2 of 2)

abbreviation for