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

The story toys with paranoia and the power of perspective.

From Los Angeles Times

Basic Fun’s Tonkas and its other toy brands arrived in the U.S. in time for retailers’ holiday stocking season.

From The Wall Street Journal

On 21 December, volunteers are not only giving out food, but also toys for local children.

From BBC

The toy they ended up building is a sleek block in pastel colors that sits under the TV and looks like a Rubik’s Cube.

From The Wall Street Journal

One popular item which shops have said is regularly stolen to sell online is the collectable soft toys Jellycats.

From BBC

Related Words

• fiddle
• flirt
• fool
• tease