toy

[toi]

noun

1. an object, often a small representation of something familiar, as an animal or person, for children or others to play with; plaything.

2. a thing or matter of little or no value or importance; a trifle.

3. something that serves for or as if for diversion, rather than for serious practical use.

4. a small article of little value but prized as a souvenir or for some other special reason; trinket; knickknack; bauble.

5. something diminutive, especially in comparison with like objects.

6. an animal of a breed or variety noted for smallness of size.

   The winning terrier at the dog show was a toy.

7. a close-fitting cap of linen or wool, with flaps coming down to the shoulders, formerly worn by women in Scotland.

8. a simple, light piece of music, especially of 16th or 17th century England, written for the virginal.

9. Obsolete.

   1. amorous dallying.

   2. a playful or amusing act; diversion; pastime.

adjective

1. made or designed for use as a toy.

   a toy gun.

2. of or resembling a toy, especially diminutive in size.

verb (used without object)

1. to amuse oneself; play.

2. to act idly; or with indifference; trifle.

   to toy with one's food.

3. to dally amorously; flirt.

toy

/ tɔɪ /

noun

1. an object designed to be played with

2. 1. something that is a nonfunctioning replica of something else, esp a miniature one

   2. ( as modifier )

      a toy guitar

3. any small thing of little value; trifle

4. 1. something small or miniature, esp a miniature variety of a breed of dog

   2. ( as modifier )

      a toy poodle

verb

1. to play, fiddle, or flirt

Other Word Forms

• toyer noun
• toyless adjective
• toylike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of toy¹

1275–1325; Middle English toye dalliance; of obscure origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of toy¹

C16 (in the sense: amorous dalliance): of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Searching for products you’re not interested in — like cat toys when you don’t own a cat — can also potentially trick the algorithm into showing less-tempting ads on your main account, experts say.

Read more on MarketWatch

He has an incredibly advanced laser-fueled 3-D printer, but deploys it like a hyperactive toddler smashing toy soldiers together.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The neighbor has seen the mother toy with drowning herself, and his intention seems to be to shock her into responsibility.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Blind boxes are like Pokémon cards, or the toys in cereal boxes.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

At some point in our lives we were told that it is time to grow up, time to trade our toys for activities that will set us on the path to becoming successful adults.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• fiddle 
• flirt 
• fool 
• tease