toad

noun

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

Illustration of toad

Illustration of toad
  • toad 1

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Giant murals with his face have gone up in the city; a few others feature Concho, the delightful toad character that’s become a staple in videos and promo from his latest album DeBÍ TiRAR MÁS FOTOS, which the show is crafted around. Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 26 July 2025 The toad lily produces orchid-looking flowers with bright green leaves. Lauren David, Southern Living, 6 July 2025 But others, like the black-footed ferret, Houston toad and the red wolf, for example, remain endangered—even after almost 60 years of federal attention. Christine Peterson, Wired News, 5 July 2025 Become a Subscriber Along with its toad envoy, Bad Bunny’s sprawling DTMF project has, as a whole, become anthemic for those facing displacement worldwide. Valerie Trapp, The Atlantic, 2 July 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Toad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toad. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

Kids 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

More from Merriam-Webster on toad

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