Tony

¹

[toh-nee]

noun

plural

Tonys 

1. one of a group of awards made annually by the American Theatre Wing, a professional school for the performing arts, for achievements in theatrical production and performance.

Tony

²

[toh-nee]

noun

1. a male given name, form of Anthony.

2. a female given name, form of Antoinette or Antonia.

tony

³

[toh-nee]

adjective

Informal.

tonier, toniest 

1. high-toned; stylish.

   a tony nightclub.

Tony

¹

/ ˈtəʊnɪ /

noun

1. any of several medallions awarded annually in the United States by a professional school for the performing arts for outstanding achievement in the theatre

tony

²

/ ˈtəʊnɪ /

adjective

1. informal,  stylish or distinctive; classy

Word History and Origins

Origin of Tony¹

After the nickname of Antoinette Perry

Origin of Tony²

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80; tone + -y ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of Tony¹

from Tony, the nickname of Antoinette Perry (died 1946), US actress and producer

Origin of Tony²

C20: from _tone

Example Sentences

Ryan Wain, executive director of politics and policy at the Tony Blair Institute think tank, told AFP the government needs to "make a broader case" for digital ID, which Blair has long backed.

Read more on Barron's

At a family Thanksgiving with their two sons and their families, Barlow says, “My wife said to our older son, ‘Tony, you’re going to have to get used to helping us old people manage these things.’

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Once upon a time the long throw was almost exclusively the preserve of Tony Pulis and his Stoke City team, but now it is being used by pretty much every Premier League team - and it is working.

Read more on BBC

This could mean no strain in the vocals, and overly polished production, according to Tony Rigg, music industry advisor and lecturer in music industry management at the University of Lancashire.

Read more on BBC

Inside the Lord Norman Foster-designed skyscraper was a smattering of British celebrities, including actor Brian Cox and retired Prime Minister Tony Blair, a longtime JPMorgan ally.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

When To Use

What is a Tony?

A Tony is an annual award given by the American Theatre Wing (ATW) for excellence in theater production.The Tony award is a black statuette featuring a suspended medallion with the image of the comedy and tragedy mask and the winner’s name, category, and winning year engraved on it. The awards are given out at the Tony Awards ceremony, also known as the Tonys. The Tonys are a televised ceremonial event that features celebrity hosts, musical performances, and Broadway announcements. Typically, the event is seen as one of the most important nights in the theater industry because it gathers many of its most talented performers, directors, and production crews.