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
1Other words from toy
- toyer, noun
- toyless, adjective
- toylike, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use toy in a sentence
Give your family’s discarded books and toys to younger children in your neighborhood.
Trying to shop sustainably? Here’s what you need to consider. | Sarah Kaplan | November 20, 2020 | Washington PostRegardless of whether you’ve got a SaaS startup, a cute pet toy company, or even if you’re just a drop shipper, you need to convert that traffic to drive sales.
Harness the power of integrated CRO and social media | Ricky Wang | November 17, 2020 | Search Engine WatchWe also made a toy campaign for anyone who our model said could be toy buyers or who Audience Stream had seen browse or buy them in the past.
Adopting a CDP is just the beginning: How Fingerhut’s parent planned a successful onboarding process | Sponsored Content: Tealium | November 13, 2020 | Search Engine LandSo far, researchers know much more about how this all works in toy universes that have negatively curved, saddle-shaped space-time — mostly because they’re relatively easy to work with.
Lego has eschewed any reference to the pandemic in favor of vignettes of enjoyable nonsense from real-life actors having fun as its most popular toys.
‘It’s difficult to make the right call’: The many faces of the U.K.’s coronavirus-era Christmas advertising | Seb Joseph | November 12, 2020 | Digiday
A reminder that Washington has been toying with and lying to Americans for a long, long time.
Why the FBI’s Suicide Note to MLK Still Matters | Nick Gillespie | November 15, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTFor decades, the Pentagon has been toying with the idea of upgrading the B-52 bomber, first built in the mid-1950s.
America’s 60 Year-Old Nuclear Bomber Might Finally Get a New Engine | Bill Sweetman | October 27, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTFrom the beginning, Guy had the better of the fight, unhorsing Herman and toying with him for awhile.
The ‘GOT’ Red Viper and Mountain Duel, and a History of Medieval Trial by Combat | Steven Isaac | June 3, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTJoe enjoys the sexual sway she holds over men, toying with their preconceived expectations in order to satisfy her appetite.
Uma Thurman on ‘Nymphomaniac,’ Lars von Trier’s Alleged Misogyny, and Women’s Sexual Double-Standard | Marlow Stern | March 17, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTDo you see parallels between Banksy and yourself, as far as, I guess, toying around with these themes?
James Franco On ‘Sal,’ Banksy, His Gay Fascination, and That Faulkner Cover | Marlow Stern | November 4, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTNapoleon crushed in his hand a watch with which he had been toying, hissing out that thus he would crush wills which opposed his.
The Life of Napoleon Bonaparte | William Milligan SloaneMercer stared at his feet, toying idly with the little torch in his hand.
The Fire People | Ray CummingsShe was toying with her jeweled fan, and looking away as carelessly as if she had forgotten his existence.
A Dreadful Temptation | Mrs. Alex. McVeigh MillerThe white, slender fingers, toying carelessly with one of the breakfast appointments, were shaking.
Mysterious Mr. Sabin | E. Phillips OppenheimThe haughtiest dame cannot keep her countenance in the face of this playful spirit toying with her frills.
Unveiling a Parallel | Alice Ilgenfritz Jones and Ella Marchant
British Dictionary definitions for toy
/ (tɔɪ) /
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
Origin of toy
1Derived forms of toy
- toyer, noun
- toyless, adjective
- toylike, adjective
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
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