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

In a study released earlier this month, the National Retail Federation said prices on products that rely heavily on imports, such as electronics, toys, clothing, furniture, household appliances and travel goods, would likely increase.

From Salon

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

Prices on products that rely heavily on imports, such as electronics, toys and clothes, would be likely to rise, ABC News reported.

From Salon

Lui said studies have shown that toxic chemicals can leach out of children’s toys and into their saliva if they put the products in their mouth.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• doll
• plaything
• trinket