toy
Americannoun
-
an object, often a small representation of something familiar, as an animal or person, for children or others to play with; plaything.
-
a thing or matter of little or no value or importance; a trifle.
-
something that serves for or as if for diversion, rather than for serious practical use.
-
a small article of little value but prized as a souvenir or for some other special reason; trinket; knickknack; bauble.
-
something diminutive, especially in comparison with like objects.
-
an animal of a breed or variety noted for smallness of size.
The winning terrier at the dog show was a toy.
-
a close-fitting cap of linen or wool, with flaps coming down to the shoulders, formerly worn by women in Scotland.
-
a simple, light piece of music, especially of 16th or 17th century England, written for the virginal.
-
Obsolete.
-
amorous dallying.
-
a playful or amusing act; diversion; pastime.
-
adjective
-
made or designed for use as a toy.
a toy gun.
-
of or resembling a toy, especially diminutive in size.
verb (used without object)
-
to amuse oneself; play.
-
to act idly; or with indifference; trifle.
to toy with one's food.
-
to dally amorously; flirt.
noun
-
an object designed to be played with
-
-
something that is a nonfunctioning replica of something else, esp a miniature one
-
( as modifier )
a toy guitar
-
-
any small thing of little value; trifle
-
-
something small or miniature, esp a miniature variety of a breed of dog
-
( as modifier )
a toy poodle
-
verb
Other Word Forms
- toyer noun
- toyless adjective
- toylike adjective
Etymology
Origin of toy
1275–1325; Middle English toye dalliance; of obscure origin
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The main houses showed several signs that young children had recently been present, including toys, clothes and notebook pages with the crude drawings of a grade-schooler.
From Los Angeles Times
The company has tried make its stores more inviting, punching up displays for toys, videogames and athletic gear, while leaning on artificial intelligence, women’s clothing and beauty products.
From MarketWatch
Postmortem photographs of children showed their bodies posed as if asleep or with toys as if still alive.
From Literature
![]()
“I get a basket and I put a bunch of toys in it from my kids’ playroom, then I walk into a room and I record myself.”
From Los Angeles Times
Air filters needed to be replaced, the carpet torn out, toys thrown away and wood chips exchanged for rocks.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.