Illustration of toad
- toad 1
1
: any of numerous anuran amphibians (especially family Bufonidae) that are distinguished from the related frogs by being more terrestrial in habit though returning to water to lay their eggs, by having a build that is squatter and shorter with weaker and shorter hind limbs, and by having skin that is rough, dry, and warty rather than smooth and moist
2
: a contemptible person or thing
Examples of toad in a Sentence
He's such a mean little toad.
that miserable toad is lucky to have even a single friend
Recent Examples on the Web
The cane toad, also known as the bufo toad or the marine toad, is known for the large, poisonous glands behind its eyes that secrete toxins when it’s touched.
—
Amaia Gavica,
Miami Herald,
23 June 2026
In frogs and toads that parent, males take the lead about half the time.
—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
21 June 2026
Expect riffs on the Persian frittata kuku sabzi, a variant of the toad in the hole involving shakshuka, plus sabich reconceived in bagel form.
—
Gary Baum,
HollywoodReporter,
15 June 2026
Nearby is the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to critically endangered Amargosa toads and pupfish.
—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for toad
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Amaia Gavica,
Miami Herald,
23 June 2026
In frogs and toads that parent, males take the lead about half the time.
—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
21 June 2026
Expect riffs on the Persian frittata kuku sabzi, a variant of the toad in the hole involving shakshuka, plus sabich reconceived in bagel form.
—
Gary Baum,
HollywoodReporter,
15 June 2026
Nearby is the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to critically endangered Amargosa toads and pupfish.
—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for toad
Cite this Entry
“Toad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toad. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
toad
noun
: any of numerous tailless leaping amphibians that lay their eggs in water and are distinguished from the related frogs by living on land more often, by having a build that is shorter and thicker with weaker and shorter hind limbs, and by having skin that is rough, dry and warty rather than smooth and moist
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