coy

[ koi ]

adjective

, coy·er, coy·est.

1. artfully or affectedly shy or reserved; slyly hesitant; coquettish.
2. shy; modest.

   Synonyms: demure, bashful, diffident, retiring

3. showing reluctance, especially when insincere or affected, to reveal one's plans or opinions, make a commitment, or take a stand:

   The mayor was coy about his future political aspirations.

4. Archaic. disdainful; aloof.
5. Obsolete. quiet; reserved.

verb (used without object)

1. Archaic. to act in a coy manner.

verb (used with object)

, Obsolete.

1. to quiet; soothe.
2. to pat; caress.

Coy.

¹

abbreviation for

1. company

coy

²

/ kɔɪ /

adjective

1. (usually of a woman) affectedly demure, esp in a playful or provocative manner
2. shy; modest
3. evasive, esp in an annoying way

Derived Forms

• ˈcoyly, adverb
• ˈcoyish, adjective
• ˈcoyness, noun

Other Words From

• coy·ish adjective
• coy·ish·ness noun
• coy·ly adverb
• coy·ness noun
• o·ver·coy adjective
• o·ver·coy·ness noun
• un·coy adjective
• un·coy·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of coy¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Anglo-French coi, quoy “calm,” Old French quei, from unattested Vulgar Latin quētus, for Latin quiētus quiet

Word History and Origins

Origin of coy¹

C14: from Old French coi reserved, from Latin quiētus quiet

Example Sentences

It is frankly sad to see a representation of it so coy and removed.

From The Daily Beast

Liberals in the Democratic Party would like to repeal that law, but McAuliffe is coy, saying that he would sign such a bill if it got to his desk but that the General Assembly would never pass it in the first place.

From Washington Post

Elon Musk’s goal for SpaceX is to carry 100 people at a time to the moon, Mars, and beyond, although in public presentations he is coy about giving a timeline.

From Singularity Hub 

The show plays coy, but season two begins to unspool Aleida’s destiny.

From Vox

Yet amid the generalities and coy responses they offered after being asked what the trade deadline is like for a coach and a veteran and which holes Washington needs plugged most, Brooks and Beal described the Wizards’ situation rather tidily.

From Washington Post

Romney is coy at best about 2016, although his old running mate, Paul Ryan, wants him to run.

From The Daily Beast

And, despite years of protests, the president remains maddeningly coy about the fate of the Keystone XL pipeline.

From The Daily Beast

At his press conference, Obama was coy about future changes in immigration law through executive order.

From The Daily Beast

Did Mia stop to think how her coy tease might be perceived by the widow Sinatra?

From The Daily Beast

At least he isn't pulling a Taylor Swift and trying to be coy about who the song is about.

From The Daily Beast

But Rosa had been too coy to Alfred's evident devotion—almost repellent at seasons.

From Project Gutenberg

He was among the fleetest, and after some coy dallying he stood still until the athletic Sioux came beside him.

From Project Gutenberg

In the mean time she is coy—awaiting the result of your search.

From Project Gutenberg

All which coy suggestions La Mothe Fnlon, astute courtier that he was, knew well how to answer.

From Project Gutenberg

It was common for coy damsels and staid matrons to wend their way to Lizzie's cot about twilight, to have their fortunes spaed.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bashful
• evasive
• self-effacing
• skittish
• timid