toad

noun

\ ˈtōd

Definition of toad

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

Synonyms Example Sentences Phrases Containing toad Learn More About toad

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 One Russian word that directly translates to toad was actually referring to the Jabber messaging service. — Davey Winder, Forbes, 15 July 2022 In the exclusive clip above, a tiny toad faces a big problem: a hungry snake is chasing him. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE.com, 1 July 2022 Jeannine Tilford, owner of local toad management company Toad Busters, said that the changing climate has impacted the population of bufo toads in the area. — Kyla Guilfoil, ABC News, 30 June 2022 Today, the marshland boasts native grasses, wildflowers, and species like the Jefferson salamander, American toad, woodcock, and bald eagle. — Erika Page, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 June 2022 The male red-shoulder likely brought the toad to the nest earlier this morning, Jacobs says. — Paul A. Smith, Journal Sentinel, 27 June 2022 But one particular find left them stumped: more than 8,000 frog and toad bones, all buried together in a ditch. — Jane Recker, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 June 2022 Seconds after her lungs absorbed the toad secretions, Ms. Juan let out guttural screams and shifted on her mat. — New York Times, 21 May 2022 Just ask the American toad spotted canoodling with a tennis ball in a Virginia park in 2007. — Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 17 May 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'toad.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.