toy

American  

[toi] / tɔɪ /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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verb

1. to play, fiddle, or flirt

Other Word Forms

• toyer
  noun
• toyless
  adjective
• toylike
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of toy

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

Explanation

A toy is an object that's made for a child to play with. Your favorite childhood toy might have been a dollhouse, a stuffed animal, or a set of blocks. Some toys are specifically designed for play, like a small wooden train set or a baby's shape sorter. You can also make toys out of everyday objects and materials—a piece of paper can take the shape of a toy airplane, and a saucepan can become a toy drum. Very small dogs are another kind of toy, like a toy poodle. When you use it as a verb, toy means "move or handle absent-mindedly."

Example Sentences

Netflix rebooted the animated series with “Masters of the Universe: Revelation” in 2021, and the Masters of the Universe toys were inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2022.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

Toy of the year: Lego version of ASML’s semiconductor tool.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

Karine Hsu attended the final day of the conference and bought one of the sweaters featuring “TJ,” for Toy Jensen, a cute digital avatar of the CEO.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

Kerri Atherton, from the British Toy and Hobby Association, said she was concerned that substandard toys from overseas, which would fail strict UK toy safety regulations, were making their way into the UK market.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

From habit, I headed for the Toy burial plot.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns

Related Words

• fiddle
• flirt
• fool
• tease