What does "toy" mean?

1. (child's plaything) an object that a child plays with, such as a doll or a model car. 2. (miniature dog) a very small breed of dog. 3. (adult plaything) an object used for sexual pleasure. 4. (to consider an idea) to think about an idea or a plan but not very seriously. 5. (to play with an object) to move or touch something with your fingers because you are bored or nervous. 6. (not for real use) describing something that is a small model or not powerful enough for real work.

How do you use "toy"?

Usually appears as 'toy with something'. Usually appears as 'toy with something'.

toy

n. · v. · adj.

US //ˈtɔɪ// UK //tˈɔɪ// toy

1 child's plaything (n.)
A2 Elementary

an object that a child plays with, such as a doll or a model car.

an object designed for a child to play with.

Example

The floor was covered in colorful toys after the birthday party.

Example

The charity collects donated toys every December to distribute to families who cannot afford gifts for their children.
- plaything
2 miniature dog (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a very small breed of dog.

a dog belonging to a breed of very small size, often kept as a pet. Often used as a modifier.

Example

She prefers toy breeds because they are easier to keep in a small apartment.

Example

The kennel club categorizes the Pomeranian and the Chihuahua within the toy group due to their diminutive stature.
- miniature
- lapdog

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3 adult plaything (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

an object used for sexual pleasure.

a shortened form of 'sex toy', referring to an object used for sexual stimulation.

Example

The shop on the corner sells various adult toys and lingerie.

Example

The couple decided to introduce toys into their private life to explore new sensations together.
4 to consider an idea (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to think about an idea or a plan but not very seriously.

to consider something casually or without a firm commitment. Intransitive; almost always takes the preposition 'with'.

Example

I am toying with the idea of moving to the countryside next year.

Example

The board of directors is currently toying with a merger proposal, though no formal negotiations have commenced.

Usage

Usually appears as 'toy with something'.
5 to play with an object (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to move or touch something with your fingers because you are bored or nervous.

to handle or move something idly or absentmindedly. Intransitive; takes the preposition 'with'.

Example

He sat at the table toying with his pen while he waited for the interview.

Example

She nervously toyed with her necklace as the judge prepared to read the final verdict.

Usage

Usually appears as 'toy with something'.
- fidget
- twiddle
6 not for real use (adj.)
C1 Advanced Informal

describing something that is a small model or not powerful enough for real work.

referring to a version of something that is simplified, miniature, or lacks the power required for professional or practical application.

Example

That little screwdriver is just a toy; you need a real tool for this job.

Example

The programmer dismissed the new software as a toy project that lacked the security features necessary for enterprise deployment.
- professional
- industrial

Idioms2 entries