toy
10 synonyms for toy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An object made for a child (or sometimes an adult) to play with.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
An object made for a child (or sometimes an adult) to play with.
“The puppy chewed its favourite toy until the squeaker finally stopped working.”
How to use toy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
toy with the idea
toy soldier
children's toys
Etymology
From Middle English toye, meaning "amorous play" or "a bit of fun," probably from a Middle Dutch word for tools or gear — related to the word "tug."
Full origin of toy →Frequently asked questions
What does “toy” mean?
The word “toy” means an object made for a child (or sometimes an adult) to play with. In plain terms, something made for play, or (as a verb) to fiddle with something or consider an idea casually.
How do you pronounce “toy”?
“Toy” is pronounced toy (/tɔɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “toy” in a sentence?
Here is “toy” used in a sentence: “The kids spent the afternoon building towers with their toys.”
What part of speech is “toy”?
Depending on how it is used, “toy” can be a noun, a verb and an adjective.
Where does the word “toy” come from?
The word “toy” comes from Middle English. From Middle English toye, meaning "amorous play" or "a bit of fun," probably from a Middle Dutch word for tools or gear — related to the word "tug.".
Is “toy” a common word?
“Toy” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “toy” have?
“Toy” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an object made for a child (or sometimes an adult) to play with.
What is the difference between a toy and a game?
A toy is a physical object made for a child, or sometimes an adult, to play with freely. A game is a structured activity with rules and usually a goal or winner, so a ball is a toy while football is a game you might play with it.
What words commonly go with 'toy'?
As a noun you often see 'toy box', 'soft toy', 'toy soldier', and 'toy shop'. As a verb, the usual pattern is 'toy with', as in 'toy with an idea' or 'toy with someone's feelings'.
