plural toys
Synonyms of toynext
1
a
: something for a child to play with
The children played with their toys.
a plush/stuffed toy
plastic/wooden/electronic toys
a bath toy
often used before another noun
a toy car
a toy store/company/maker
a large toy collection
b
: something resembling a child's toy especially in providing amusement or entertainment
a dog's chew toy
Among Greg Norman's toys is a 61-foot sportfishing boat …Austin Murphy
2
: something that is or appears to be small
The duster, a simple aerial crop dusting plane, is a toy in comparison to Delta's fleet now.Bianca Theodore
especially : a small animal (as of a small breed or variety) see also toy fox terrier, toy manchester terrier, toy poodle
3
: someone or something that can be toyed with
He's just her toy. = He's just a toy in her hands.
I'm referring to unilateral economic sanctions. This instrument of foreign policy has recently become a toy in the hands of our politicians …Oscar Wyatt
4
a
: something (such as a preoccupation) that is paltry or trifling
b
: a literary or musical trifle or diversion
5
Scotland : a headdress of linen or woolen hanging down over the shoulders and formerly worn by old women of the lower classes
6
obsolete
a
: flirtatious or seductive behavior
b
: pastime
also : a sportive or amusing act : antic
toylike adjective

Examples of toy in a Sentence

Please put away your toys. He bought a new TV and a few other toys. Her latest toy is a sports car. Your car is just a toy compared to this truck.
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.
The ballad also aligns with the perspective of Jessie’s (Joan Cusack) abandonment and eventual joining of Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz’s (Tim Allen) crew of toys that once belonged to Andy and now live with Bonnie. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 9 June 2026 Those films revolutionized the way that Hollywood does business — demonstrating that movies could sell T-shirts and toys as well as tickets. Brent Lang, Variety, 9 June 2026 The Broncos, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston’s office, Denver Water and community groups have all begun placing the figurative dominoes, toy race cars and pulley system that will make up the process to build the stadium. Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 9 June 2026 Some yelp in pain after stepping barefoot on a peanut or toy. Literary Hub, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for toy

Word History

Etymology

Middle English toye

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 6a

Time Traveler
The first known use of toy was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Toy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toy. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

toy

1 of 2 noun
1
: something of little or no value or importance
2
: something for a child to play with
3
: something small for its kind
especially : an animal of a breed or variety marked by exceptionally small size
toy adjective
toylike adjective

toy

2 of 2 verb
: to amuse oneself as if with a toy

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