verb
toss
tos
verb
1
To throw something lightly or carelessly, usually with an upward motion.
"He tossed the keys onto the table."
"She tossed the ball to her son across the garden."
2
To flip a coin to make a decision.
"Let's toss a coin to decide who goes first."
3
To move restlessly, especially in bed.
"He tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep."
4
To mix ingredients gently, especially a salad, by lifting and turning them.
"Toss the salad with the dressing just before serving."
noun
1
An act of throwing something, especially casually.
"With one toss of the frisbee, the dog was off running."
2
The coin flip before a match that decides who bats, kicks off, or chooses ends.
"England won the toss and chose to bat first."
How to Use Toss
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo throw something casually, flip a coin, move restlessly, or gently mix food together.
Common pairings
toss a coin
toss and turn
toss a salad
win the toss
Word Forms
tossed past tense, tost past tense, tosses plural, tosses singular
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Etymology
From Middle English tossen, "to buffet about or agitate," of uncertain earlier origin, possibly linked to Old Norse or Middle English tosen, "to pull apart."