toy

[ toi ]

/ tɔɪ /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR toy ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

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.

adjective

made or designed for use as a toy: a toy gun.

of or resembling a toy, especially diminutive in size.

verb (used without object)

to amuse oneself; play.

to act idly; or with indifference; trifle: to toy with one's food.

to dally amorously; flirt.

Nearby words

Origin of toy

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

Related formstoy·er, nountoy·less, adjectivetoy·like, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for toy

I know that I cannot carry a gun in public and neither can my sons, even if it is a toy.
What Would Happen if I Got in White Cop’s Face?|Goldie Taylor|December 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A car was indeed dispatched, with no mention that the suspect was possibly a juvenile and that the gun might be a toy.
The Cleveland Cops Who Fired 137 Shots and Cried Victim|Michael Daly|December 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
For decades, toy production and marketing was increasingly gender neutral.
Sexism Begins in the Toy Aisle|Nancy Kaffer|November 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Then last week, a 12-year-old in Cleveland shot dead for holding a toy gun.
Raging Protesters Set Ferguson on Fire|Justin Glawe|November 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST

I often find myself in the toy aisle, having an existential crisis.
Laura Jane Grace’s Trans Punk Rebellion|Melissa Leon|October 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A dry branch snapped under Kerry's foot with the report of a toy pistol.
Southern Lights and Shadows|Various
You knew you had fascinated me and bewitched me, and it gave you pleasure to toy with me!
Frank Merriwell's Son|Burt L. Standish
I must get a toy to-morrow for Eliza, and send the device for the seals of myself and ——.
The Love Affairs of Lord Byron|Francis Henry Gribble
At this the toy captain was so furious that he shook with anger from head to foot.
The Other Side of the Sun|Evelyn Sharp
He stuck his hand through the unglazed window of a never-built shop and plucked out a toy in a battered box.
Makers|Cory Doctorow

British Dictionary definitions for toy

toy

/ (tɔɪ) /

noun

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

verb

(intr usually foll by with) to play, fiddle, or flirt

Derived Formstoyer, nountoyless, adjectivetoylike, adjective

Word Origin for toy

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

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

Word Origin and History for toy (1 of 2)

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."

Word Origin and History for toy (1 of 2)

toy

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.

toy

noun

adjective

verb (used without object)

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Nearby words

Origin of toy

Examples from the Web for toy

British Dictionary definitions for toy

toy

noun

verb

Word Origin for toy

Word Origin and History for toy (1 of 2)

toy

Word Origin and History for toy (1 of 2)

toy