noun
toy
toy
noun
1
An object made for a child (or sometimes an adult) to play with.
"The kids spent the afternoon building towers with their toys."
"He still keeps his old toy soldiers in a box in the attic."
verb
1
To handle, play with, or fiddle with something idly, without serious purpose.
"She toyed with her fork instead of eating."
"He's been toying with the idea of moving abroad."
adjective
1
Describing something small, simplified, or not built for serious real-world use.
"The prototype was really just a toy version of the final product."
How to Use Toy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething made for play, or (as a verb) to fiddle with something or consider an idea casually.
Common pairings
toy with the idea
toy soldier
children's toys
Word Forms
more toy comparative, toyed past tense, toys singular, most toy superlative
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The kids spent the afternoon building towers with their _____.
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."