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

Example Sentences

But according to the toy industry, the company only manufactures 20 percent of what is needed, meaning the rest must be imported.

From Barron's

The spectacle marked new heights in the global craze around Labubu dolls, created by a Hong Kong artist and sold by Beijing-based toy maker Pop Mart.

From The Wall Street Journal

The family was poor; Pratt told the American Legion magazine, “Our grandfather gave us clay so we could make our own toys.”

From The Wall Street Journal

CPU runs to her toy basket and picks out a stuffed dinosaur and carries it to us.

From Literature

Rising pet ownership in China has sparked a rush of companies into making items such as dog food, leashes and toys.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• fiddle
• flirt
• fool
• tease