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

The first experiment established how focus influences kids' choice between two objects when they hear a label, like "toy," that could, in principle, correspond to either of the two.

From Science Daily

One group heard "toy" without emphasis, while the other heard it with emphasis.

From Science Daily

In the first version, "blicket" and "toy" plausibly refer to the same object.

From Science Daily

But in the second version, the added focus, through intonation, implies that "toy" contrasts with the previously discussed "blicket."

From Science Daily

Without focus, only 24 percent of the respondents thought the words were mutually exclusive, whereas with the focus created by emphasizing "toy," 89 percent of participants thought "blicket" and "toy" referred to different objects.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• doll
• plaything
• trinket