: 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
He's such a mean little toad.
that miserable toad is lucky to have even a single friend
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Each parking lot has its own special symbol (besides the blue dolphin and the yellow toucan, there are red snappers, pink flamingos, green toads and white sea horses) and is planted with a different tree species.—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2026 The nonprofit organization that works to restore, protect and enhance the Rouge River watershed is seeking volunteers for its annual frog and toad survey.—Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 13 Feb. 2026 This will protect the toads and frogs from extreme heat and any predators.—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 6 Feb. 2026 Race across the grass, check on our neighbor's cattle and catch toads at sunset.—Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for toad
Word History
Etymology
Middle English tode, from Old English tāde, tādige
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of toad was
before the 12th century
: 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