toy
- an object, often a small representation of something familiar, as an animal or person, for children or others to play with; plaything.
- a thing or matter of little or no value or importance; a trifle.
- something that serves for or as if for diversion, rather than for serious practical use.
- a small article of little value but prized as a souvenir or for some other special reason; trinket; knickknack; bauble.
- something diminutive, especially in comparison with like objects.
- an animal of a breed or variety noted for smallness of size: The winning terrier at the dog show was a toy.
- a close-fitting cap of linen or wool, with flaps coming down to the shoulders, formerly worn by women in Scotland.
- a simple, light piece of music, especially of 16th or 17th century England, written for the virginal.
- Obsolete.
- amorous dallying.
- a playful or amusing act; diversion; pastime.
- made or designed for use as a toy: a toy gun.
- of or resembling a toy, especially diminutive in size.
- to amuse oneself; play.
- to act idly; or with indifference; trifle: to toy with one's food.
- to dally amorously; flirt.
Origin of toy
Related Words for toy
plaything, trinket, doll, flirt, fool, fiddle, tease, trifle, novelty, game, knickknack, curio, bauble, coquet, play, wanton, pet, cosset, dandle, sportExamples from the Web for toy
Contemporary Examples of toy
I know that I cannot carry a gun in public and neither can my sons, even if it is a toy.
A car was indeed dispatched, with no mention that the suspect was possibly a juvenile and that the gun might be a toy.
For decades, toy production and marketing was increasingly gender neutral.
Then last week, a 12-year-old in Cleveland shot dead for holding a toy gun.
I often find myself in the toy aisle, having an existential crisis.
Historical Examples of toy
He was sitting on the floor with our boy gravely intent on a toy circus.
The HarborErnest Poole
Even this toy of a train brings us, in thirty minutes, to Beirut.
The Book of KhalidAmeen Rihani
You were but a lad learning to fly your first toy helics when that happened.
In the Orbit of SaturnRoman Frederick Starzl
We learn first to play with it academically, as the magnet was once a toy.
Essays, First SeriesRalph Waldo Emerson
He wrapped the toy vane in a piece of paper and handed it to his small patron.
ShavingsJoseph C. Lincoln
toy
- an object designed to be played with
- something that is a nonfunctioning replica of something else, esp a miniature one
- (as modifier)a toy guitar
- any small thing of little value; trifle
- something small or miniature, esp a miniature variety of a breed of dog
- (as modifier)a toy poodle
- (intr usually foll by with) to play, fiddle, or flirt
Word Origin for toy
Word Origin and History for toy
c.1300, "amorous playing, sport," later "piece of fun or entertainment" (c.1500), "thing of little value, trifle" (1520s), and "thing for a child to play with" (1580s). Of uncertain origin, and there may be more than one word here. Cf. Middle Dutch toy, Dutch tuig "tools, apparatus, stuff, trash," in speeltuig "play-toy, plaything;" German Zeug "stuff, matter, tools," Spielzeug "plaything, toy;" Danish tøi, Swedish tyg "stuff, gear."
1520s, from toy (n.).
If he be merie and toy with any,
His wife will frowne, and words geve manye.
["Song of the Bachelor's Life," 16c.]
Related: Toyed; toying.