toy

[ toi ]

/ tɔɪ /

noun

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.

Origin of toy

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

OTHER WORDS FROM toy

toy·er, noun toy·less, adjective toy·like, adjective

Words nearby toy

toxophore, toxoplasma, toxoplasma gondii, toxoplasmosis, toxopyrimidine, toy, toy boy, toy dog, toy with, toy-toy, toyama

Example sentences from the Web for toying

A reminder that Washington has been toying with and lying to Americans for a long, long time.

Why the FBI’s Suicide Note to MLK Still Matters |Nick Gillespie |November 15, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
For decades, the Pentagon has been toying with the idea of upgrading the B-52 bomber, first built in the mid-1950s.

America’s 60 Year-Old Nuclear Bomber Might Finally Get a New Engine |Bill Sweetman |October 27, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
From the beginning, Guy had the better of the fight, unhorsing Herman and toying with him for awhile.

The ‘GOT’ Red Viper and Mountain Duel, and a History of Medieval Trial by Combat |Steven Isaac |June 3, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
Joe enjoys the sexual sway she holds over men, toying with their preconceived expectations in order to satisfy her appetite.

Uma Thurman on ‘Nymphomaniac,’ Lars von Trier’s Alleged Misogyny, and Women’s Sexual Double-Standard |Marlow Stern |March 17, 2014 |DAILY BEAST

Do you see parallels between Banksy and yourself, as far as, I guess, toying around with these themes?

James Franco On ‘Sal,’ Banksy, His Gay Fascination, and That Faulkner Cover |Marlow Stern |November 4, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
"I'm sure I hope so," said Lennard, toying rather absently with his pencil.

The World Peril of 1910 |George Griffith
She was toying with the fringe of her shawl, and yet she seemed to hang upon his answer as she gazed straight at him.

Dixie Hart |Will N. Harben
"You had better," replied Nubbee Bux, grimly, toying with his weapons.

Harper's Young People, November 2, 1880 |Various
"I would prefer to stand, if you don't mind," he answered, toying nervously with his cap.

The Squire's Daughter |Silas K(itto) Hocking
Somehow he now believed in it as real, though he had always taken it as a toying pretence.

Cleo The Magnificent |Louis Zangwill

British Dictionary definitions for toying

toy

/ (tɔɪ) /

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

(intr usually foll by with) to play, fiddle, or flirt

Derived forms of toy

toyer, noun toyless, adjective toylike, adjective

Word Origin for toy

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

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Learning

toy

noun

adjective

verb (used without object)

Origin of toy

OTHER WORDS FROM toy

Words nearby toy

Example sentences from the Web for toying

British Dictionary definitions for toying

noun

verb

Derived forms of toy

Word Origin for toy

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Learning

toy

noun

adjective

verb (used without object)

Origin of toy

OTHER WORDS FROM toy

Words nearby toy

Words related to toying

Example sentences from the Web for toying

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []) .push({}); British Dictionary definitions for toying

noun

verb

Derived forms of toy

Word Origin for toy

British Dictionary definitions for toying