toad

American  

[tohd] / toʊd /

noun

1. any of various tailless amphibians that are close relatives of the frogs in the order Anura and that typically have dry, warty skin and are terrestrial or semiterrestrial in habit.

2. Also called true toad.  a toad of the widespread and chiefly terrestrial family Bufonidae, having relatively short hind legs used in hopping and often having at the shoulders swellings containing glands that, along with the skin, secrete an irritating fluid in defense.

3. any of various toadlike animals, as certain lizards.

4. a person or thing as an object of disgust or aversion.

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toad British  

/ təʊd /

noun

1. any anuran amphibian of the class Bufonidae, such as Bufo bufo ( common toad ) of Europe. They are similar to frogs but are more terrestrial, having a drier warty skin

2. any of various similar amphibians of different families

3. a loathsome person

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Other Word Forms

• toadish adjective
• toadishness noun
• toadless adjective
• toadlike adjective

Etymology

Origin of toad

before 1000; Middle English tode, Old English tāde, tādi ( g ) e

Example Sentences

Nothing like a witch turning someone into a toad or making a storm, but he could touch fire, make things disappear, or turn one small thing into another.

From Literature

He also used symbols like the "pava", the traditional farmer's hat, and the endangered Puerto Rican crested toad.

From BBC

At another point, a giant monitor behind the action featured Concho, the singer’s crested toad mascot.

From Salon

At eight, he kissed a toad in exchange for a dish of ice cream.

From Literature

A section of one wall was given over to cages filled with rabbits and doves, as well as an odd selection of toads, lizards and— Jeremy squinted to be sure— yes, bats!

From Literature

Related Words

• frog