toy

[ toi ]

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.

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

/ 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

verb

1. intrusually foll bywith to play, fiddle, or flirt

Derived Forms

• ˈtoyless, adjective
• ˈtoyer, noun
• ˈtoyˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• toyer noun
• toyless adjective
• toylike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of toy¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of toy¹

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

Example Sentences

Lenard Sr. honors Dranel every year with a toy giveaway during Christmas and also a combine for football players.

From Los Angeles Times

Now they just need to fight the urge to turn everything upside down with a shiny new toy.

From Los Angeles Times

The farmers' demonstration was best summed up in two images: real tractors being driven by farmers around Parliament Square, and beside them a collection of toy tractors being peddled around by their children.

From BBC

But there is still a certain snobbery towards animated films, and only three have ever scored a best picture nomination - Beauty and the Beast, Toy Story 3 and Up.

From BBC

On my screen I can see that behind her, on a shelf, is her toy monkey, Mr H.

From BBC

Related Words

• doll
• plaything
• trinket